Connect with us

Entertainment

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

Published

on

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:

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Sunday Igboho Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree In War Studies From US Varsity

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.

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: How I Became Professor In US Varsity — Helen Paul

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

READ ALSO: Obi Cubana Gifts Former Classmates N40m

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Entertainment

2Face Idibia Reportedly Arrested After Heated Argument With Natasha In London

Published

on

Legendary Nigerian musician, 2Face Idibia, has reportedly been arrested in London.

2Face was said to have been arrested after a heated altercation with his new wife, Natasha Osawaru.

Popular Nigerian social critic, Tosin Silverdam made this known in a video on his Instagram page on Friday morning.

Advertisement

According to the driver who picked them from the airport, the couple started having the argument from the airport before getting to their hotel.

READ ALSO:Tuface Idibia Reacts To Davido, Wizkid’s Reconciliation

The argument was said to have escalated when Natasha allegedly broke bottles.

Advertisement

The report of the singer’s arrest is currently trending on social media as he failed to show up at his UK tour on Thursday October 2 2025.

2Face traditionally married Natasha, an Edo State lawmaker in July 2025, a few months after announcing divorce from his estranged wife, Annie Macaulay.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

How I Introduced My Daughter To Clubbing, Alcohol At 17 – Actress Laide Bakare

Published

on

Nollywood actress, Laide Bakare, has revealed that she introduced her daughter to clubbing and alcohol at the age of 17.

She disclosed this in a recent interview with content creator, Mr Lilgaga.

The movie star said she likes the fact that her daughter would reference her as the person who introduced her to nightlife and alcohol.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:El-Rufai Hits Back At ONSA, Kaduna, Insists Agencies Paying Bandits

I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Bakare’s revelation has elicited mixed reactions, with many berating her for introducing her daughter to alcohol and nightlife as a minor.

Advertisement

Read some of the reactions on X below:

It_hafizski wrote: “Introducing a 17-year-old to alcohol and nightlife is reckless parenting, not cruise. At that age, guidance and discipline should come first, not clubbing.”

READ ALSO:Nollywood Actress, Mercy Aigbe, Loses Mother

Advertisement

Just_2undey opined: “Some of these people are not worth the pedestal the people place them on. All these coming from someone that calls herself a mother.”

DamiTheOG said: “Many of those you admire are often poor role models as parents.”

Shuluemp wrote: “Which kind of mother takes pride in introducing her 17-year-old to alcohol and clubbing?”

Advertisement

Sturbyrich opined: “Low-key this thing normal, at least her daughter will be free to talk to her about anything. If she no carry her go club, she’ll still go by herself and might even do worse things.”

Brainpink wrote: “Make una leave her, that’s how she wants to train her girl. Because if you dey overprotect, sometimes she will still go to the club, drink alcohol and still smoke join, and you won’t notice. But sha, small small ooo.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Why I Will Never Date A Rapper Again – AKA’s Ex, Nadia Nakai

Published

on

Nadia Nakai, a popular TV host and ex-girlfriend of late South African rapper, AKA, has vowed not to date a rapper again.

The media personality said she would like her next relationship to be private because she wouldn’t like to explain her pain to strangers in the event that a popular partner dies.

In a recent interview with Fresh Men Magazine, she stated that AKA’s was a terrible experience for her.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:2Face Idibia Reacts To Alleged Arrest In London [VIDEO]

I will not date another rapper or anybody in the [entertainment] industry ever again. I never want to do that again. I want to have a very private relationship. I don’t want it to be public because if he had to die, that experience was terrible for me.

“I didn’t like having to explain my pain to strangers at the airport. I don’t want to explain nonsense to people on social media. So, I will never date a rapper or anybody in the public eye,” she vowed.

Advertisement

Recall that AKA was shot dead by a gunman outside a restaurant in Durban on 10 February, 2023.

The trial into his murder is still ongoing.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending