By Oluseye Ojo
The British American University, Florida, United States of America, has honoured the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Owolabi Ige Olakulehin, with the prestigious honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa) in Leadership and Corporate Governance.
The award was conferred on the first-class traditional ruler by the President/Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the university, Prof Muhammad Omolaja, at the Aafin Olubadan in Ibadan on Thursday.
The occasion was also used to present the highest honour of the university to Oba Olakulehin, which is the Fellowship Certificate of the institution.
Speaking on the occasion, the Olubadan, who spoke through the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, thanked the university for the conferment of the prestigious doctoral award on Olubadan.
The monarch, who said he was “overwhelmed and Ibadan is very happy with two honours bestowed on me. Anywhere my assistance is needed, I will always respond.”
Prof Omolaja, in his address, revealed that the award was based on Oba Olakulehin’s leadership and community development roles, academic and professional qualifications, long time cognate work experience, his excellent records of achievement, and his optimal participation in, and commitment to, community, national and international development.
He also listed Olubadan’s professionalism/in-depth knowledge and expertise in handling leadership and corporate governance-related issues in all ramifications in Ibadanland, Nigeria, and globally, as parts of qualifications that made the university to honour the traditional ruler.
He added that the honorary doctoral degree and university’s fellowship were in commemoration of the 2024 special graduation and award of honorary doctoral degrees and fellowship of the institution.
Omolaja also showed gratitude to the people of Nigeria and the Federal Government for the opportunity given to the university to develop its African Campus, which has been approved for registration as British American Intercontinental University by the Corporate Affairs Commission
“Upon fully established, the African campus will serve as a propeller or catalyst for economic development and national development in Nigeria, international development in Africa and the rest of the world,” he said.