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•I’ve never accepted limits of my inherited circumstances -Mbah
• Harps on education, service, disruptive innovation
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, was yesterday, conferred with a Doctor of Law Degree, honoris causa, by his alma mater, the University of East London (UEL), in the United Kingdom.
Presenting Mbah’s citation during the graduation ceremony at the Docklands Campus of UEL, Vice-Provost (Business) and Executive Dean, Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof. Fatima Ana-Diab, recalled his academic and leadership excellence as a student, which she said had also translated to resounding success as an entrepreneur and governor of Enugu State.
“More than two decades ago, Peter Mbah walked these halls as a law student, developing the knowledge, determination and leadership that would take him from UEL to the Nigerian Bar, the world of business and ultimately to public office as Governor of Enugu State.
“Peter’s leadership was already evident during his time at UEL. As President of the Students’ Law Society, he helped transform the society into one recognised as the University’s Most Productive Society of the Year.
“He represented his fellow students on the Students’ Representative Council and School of Law Board, won UEL’s Mooting Competition and went on to represent the University at the International Negotiation Competition.
“After graduating with his Bachelor of Laws in 2000, Peter returned to Nigeria, where he attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar.
“His pursuit of knowledge continued through a Master’s degree in Maritime and Commercial Law from Lagos State University, an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, executive education at Lagos Business School and postgraduate study in Strategy and Innovation at the University of Oxford.
“Peter went on to build a distinguished career spanning law, entrepreneurship and public service. As the founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, he demonstrated how ambition, innovation and enterprise can transform an organisation and contribute to economic development. His career in government has included service as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State.
“In May 2023, Mbah took office as Governor of Enugu State, bringing his experience across law, business and public administration to the leadership of millions of people,” Prof. Ana-Diab stated.
“At the heart of his approach is a belief in the transformative power of education. His administration has made significant investment in education and skills, seeking to move learning beyond traditional models and equip young people with the knowledge, competencies and confidence to participate in a changing global economy,” the citation added.
The university hailed Mbah’s investment in education and his philosophy that education is fundamentally the cornerstone of human progress, the bedrock upon which the future stands, which resonates strongly with the institution.
“Peter’s journey from UEL law student to lawyer, entrepreneur and Governor demonstrates the possibilities that education can unlock and the responsibility that comes with using those opportunities to create change for others.
“His commitment to development extends beyond education. Through public service, business and philanthropy, Peter has championed investment, innovation, infrastructure, healthcare and community development, bringing together the disciplines that have shaped his own career to pursue a wider vision for economic and social progress.
“For our graduates today, his journey offers a powerful example of where a UEL education can lead. It reminds us that leadership is not defined simply by the positions we hold, but by what we choose to do with the knowledge, opportunities and influence entrusted to us,” Ana-Diab concluded.
Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech, Mbah reiterated his firm belief in disruptive innovation, the power of education, service and dreaming beyond one’s inherited circumstances.
“One quality has always mattered to me: the willingness to disrupt. I have never been particularly interested in accepting the limits of my inherited circumstances.
“But imagination is not enough. There must be a purpose. For me, that purpose is service, because there will always be mornings when ambition alone will not get you out of bed and moments when the road becomes difficult and the rewards seem far away. At those moments, it matters to have something that transcends self.
“Education enlarges our capacity to transform the world. I believe that deeply. What we are given must somehow enlarge the possibilities available to others.
“That is why, today, we invest 33 percent of our state budget in education. We are building schools, tech hubs and opportunities for young people to participate in an economy that is increasingly driven by knowledge, innovation and technology,” he stated.
He thanked his alma mater profoundly for the honour and its immense contributions to the man he is today.
