Entertainment

Adeboye, Tiwa Savage, Obi Cubana, Other Celebrities Who Received Honorary Degrees In 2022

Published

3 years ago

December 27, 2022

2022 brought showers of national and international academic honours for Nigeria’s famous personalities.

From entertainers, to politicians, and religious heads, several public figures received honorary and actual degrees from national and international universities.

Here is a list of famous Nigerians who earned academic recognitions in 2022 as compiled by The PUNCH:

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Inarguably one of the most academically decorated persons in Nigeria, Adichie opened the floor for the showers of honours this year after she earned her 16th honorary doctorate degree from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium in April.

The renowned author also boasts of doctorate degrees from several reputable institutions including Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Edinburgh, Duke University, Georgetown University, and Johns Hopkins University.

Professor Helen Paul

The comedy and acting powerhouse both shines on stage, and in her academic endeavours.

Paul, who bagged a doctorate degree in Theatre Arts from University of Lagos in 2019, revealed in May of this year that she was promoted to a professorship position at the Heart International University, USA, where she currently works.

The comedian and was also appointed as the Head of Department of Arts, Music and Entertainment at the varsity.

The success was a family affair as Helen’s husband, Femi Bamisile, was also awarded a Doctorate degree in Law, by the same University.

Peter Okoye

Peter, one half of Nigerian music duo, Psquare, bagged an honorary doctorate from the Escae-Benin University, Benin Republic in June.

Announcing the news via his Instagram page, he wrote, “Dear Team P! It’s a great honor to be decorated by a distinguished educational institution, Who have recognized my contribution to Dance and Music as well as my support for the youth in the entertainment industry.”

IK Ogbonna

Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna was another Nigerian celebrity awarded an honorary degree in June 2022.

Institut Superieur De Technologies Et De Management, Togo, awarded Ogbonna a Doctorate (Honorary) Degree of Arts in leadership and Development.

Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, added another feather to his already colourful academic cap in 2022.

The prolific writer bagged an honorary degree from the reputable University of Cambridge, UK, in June.

One of the most prestigious honours in the world, the Cambridge varsity honorary degree is bestowed upon people “who have made outstanding achievements in their respective fields,” the varsity’s official site noted.

The Adeboyes

The founder of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and his wife, Pastor Foluke, both bagged doctorate degrees this year.

In July, Pastor Foluke was conferred a honorary doctorate degree in Education by the Benson Idahosa University Edo.

Likewise, Pastor Adeboye himself received an honorary doctorate degree from the Oral Roberts University, USA in December.

In total, Pastor Adeboye boasts of 8 honorary degrees from different universities in the world.

Tiwa Savage

“Some call me Queen, but it’s Dr Tiwa Savage from now on,” an excited Tiwa said as she gave her acceptance speech during the University of Kent graduation ceremony which held in July.

While the mother-of-one had a rough 2021, 2022 was definitely her year of bouncing back, better and stronger.

Coupled with multiple brand deals and hit features, the songstress bagged an honorary doctorate degree from her alma mater, the University of Kent, UK.

Dubbing her the “Queen of Afrobeats” the University hailed Savage for “her inspirational and international career in music.”

Mishael Maro

Nigerian film director and producer, Mishael Maro, was conferred an Honorary Fellowship of the James Currey Society at the African Studies Centre at the University of Oxford in July.

Maro currently serves as an Academic Visitor at the African Studies Centre, University of Oxford, for the 2022-2023 Academic year

The Fellowship is named in honour of British publisher, James Currey and his contributions to African scholarship and literature.

Ireti Doyle

Wedding Party actress, Ireti Doyle was not left out in the 2022 academic honours galore.

The veteran thespian was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University in Benin Republic.

The actress confessed that while she had a “healthy expectation of receiving accolades” she did not envision an academic honour.

Bob Manuel Udokwu

Former Guinness Ultimate Search games master, Bob Manuel, was another Nigerian actor conferred an honorary doctorate degree by the Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University in August.

Ireti Doyle also broke the news and shared their pictures from the ceremony on her Instagram page.

Both veteran actors incidentally both featured in the movie, Living in Bondage, which clocked 30 years on the day they were both conferred the award.

Queen Silekunola Naomi Ogunwusi

Queen Silekunola, estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi was also decorated with academic honours this year.

In September, the Queen was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Myles Leadership University, Benin Republic.

Rejoicing via her Instagram page, the prophetess wrote, “While you walk through this world, please work hard. The heat will come but the honours will soon follow.”

Kaffy

Popular dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, also known as Kaffy, was also honoured with a doctorate degree from Myles Leadership University in September.

The 2022 honour is her second, as she earlier bagged a doctorate degree from Escae Benin University, Benin Republic, in 2020.

Adesua Etomi-Wellington

The multi-award winning Nollywood actress not only bags awards for her performances on stage, she was also given a nod in the academic world this year.

In September, Wellington was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by her alma mater, the University of Wolverhampton.

In a statement by the UK varsity, Etomi was lauded for her “phenomenal contribution to arts and culture”.

Obi Cubana

Nigerian businessman and socialite, Obinna Iyiegbu was among the several celebrities conferred with honorary degrees this year.

The club owner bagged a honorary Doctor of Business Administration from the Enugu State University in November.

Celebrating the win, Cubana wrote on his Instagram page, “He wrote, “Ladies and Gentlemen. You may wish to address me henceforth as Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu Okpataozueora 1! (Dr. Of Business Administration).”

Sunday Igboho

In November, Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeymo alias Igboho was also conferred with academic honours.

Igboho was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Triune Biblical University in Brooklyn, New York, the United States of America.

Governors

Governors of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; and Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, all received honorary doctorate degrees from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State in December.

The news was shared by the Governor of Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu, where he congratulated his colleagues for the achievement.
PUNCH

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Entertainment

How ‘I Faked Madness To Earn Public Sympathy’ – Shina Peters

Published

2 days ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

Veteran Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters, has opened up about the unusual strategy that helped reshape his image after his controversial exit from Prince Adekunle’s band.

During an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, the “Ace” crooner recounted that his decision to leave the band sparked widespread backlash, with many accusing him of betraying his mentor for money.

He narrated how his team deliberately made him look like a mentally unstable person and showcased him in public to gain public sympathy.

“People protested against me when I left Prince Adekunle’s band because they believed I left my father figure for money. Then the owner of my record label and some media heads came up with an idea.

“They asked me to braid my hair for three days without loosening it, then I wore some torn up cloths. After that, they took me to Oyingbo Market to buy ewedu while recording everything. I didn’t even know what they were up to.”

The veteran singer said the stunt continued in Badagry, where he was filmed behaving like a mentally unstable person at a construction site handled by Julius Berger.

“They told me to act like a madman and eat in public. All of that was done to change people’s narratives and earn empathy from fans,” he said.

Sir Shina Peters explained that the carefully planned drama ultimately helped him win back public sympathy and rebuild his image as a solo artiste.

Entertainment

Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence, Blames Regina’s Outburst On Drug Abuse

Published

1 week ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”

In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,” he alleged.

His post came hours after The PUNCH reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.

In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.

Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.

The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.

Entertainment

Annie Idibia Finds Love Again

Published

1 week ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

It appears actress Annie Idibia may not remain single for long following the reported crash of her marriage to music icon, 2Face Idibia.

Fresh reports and social media activity suggest that celebrity stylist Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly known as Swanky Jerry, may be the new man warming Annie’s heart.

The duo, who have shared a long and sometimes dramatic friendship, recently set the internet abuzz with a series of affectionate exchanges that fans have interpreted as more than just platonic.

In a post that has since gone viral, Swanky Jerry described Annie as “the most beautiful soul I’ve ever known,” while Annie responded with a heartfelt “I love you always, my person.”

Their public display of affection comes just months after Annie and 2Face’s marriage reportedly hit the rocks, following years of speculation about infidelity and emotional strain.

The actress, who had once described her marriage as “a rollercoaster of love, pain, and grace,” has lately been posting cryptic quotes about “peace, self-love, and fresh starts”.

Fans were quick to notice that Swanky, who was previously at odds with Annie during the Young, Famous & African reality show saga, has now returned to being one of her closest companions.

Their reconciliation, which started quietly earlier this year, now appears to have blossomed into something much deeper and possibly romantic.

Many online observers have expressed excitement over the pair’s chemistry, with some calling them “a perfect match” and others urging Annie to “choose happiness this time.”

Swanky Jerry, known for styling top celebrities across Africa, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, and Bonang Matheba, has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship with Annie.

Still, his recent posts featuring the actress in glowing admiration have only intensified rumors of a budding romance.

The once “perfect love story” that captivated Nigerians for years now seems to have faded, paving the way for a new chapter in Annie’s personal life.

Whether or not Swanky Jerry and Annie Idibia are truly in love or just sharing a deep emotional bond remains to be seen.