Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has revealed its intention to confer honourary degrees on Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Sale Al-Hussain and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the institution’s 44th Convocation Ceremony, which is set to take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The decision to honour these distinguished individuals was approved by the university’s Governing Council following a thorough review and recommendation by the Honorary Degrees Committee.
This decision was subsequently endorsed by the university’s Senate. Both recipients have graciously accepted the recognition, according to a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs of ABU.
About Their Achievements
Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Sale Al-Hussain, an acclaimed Islamic scholar and philosopher, will be awarded a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honoris Causa. A native of Borno State, Sheikh Ibrahim Sale has made significant contributions to Islamic scholarship, authoring over 500 works on topics such as Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, and theology.
He is renowned for his ability to harmonise traditional Islamic methods of learning and evaluation with modern academic approaches, a balance that has earned him recognition within and beyond Nigeria.
Over the years, Sheikh Ibrahim Sale has represented Nigeria on numerous global religious and academic missions, engaging with scholars from prestigious Islamic learning centers across the world. His innovative and inclusive approach has distinguished him as a leading figure in Islamic scholarship, bridging cultural and academic divides.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), will be honoured with a Doctor of Science (D.Sc) Honoris Causa. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has left an indelible mark on global finance and economic development.
As a former Finance Minister of Nigeria, she played a pivotal role in negotiating debt relief for the country, securing the cancellation of $18 billion in debt from the Paris Club. She also spearheaded groundbreaking fiscal reforms that enhanced transparency and accountability in public financial management and achieved Nigeria’s first-ever sovereign credit rating.
Her leadership and expertise have earned her widespread recognition, making her a trailblazer in international economic policy and governance. The university described both honourees as outstanding individuals whose remarkable achievements exemplify the values and aspirations of Ahmadu Bello University.
Their contributions, ABU noted, serve as a source of inspiration to the academic community and the broader society, underscoring the institution’s commitment to recognising excellence in diverse fields.
