Doctorate

By Dr Abubakar Bello

The recent controversy over an alleged honorary doctorate awarded to musician Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara has sparked debate across northern Nigeria. Initially, reports indicated that the European-American University conferred an honorary doctorate on him in Abuja. However, days later, the institution publicly denied endorsing such an award, describing the event as fraudulent.

This is not the first time Rarara’s name has been caught in institutional back-and-forth. At one point, the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) was said to be planning a conference to celebrate his contributions to music and politics. Yet the university later backtracked, insisting the information was fake. The recurring pattern suggests not a lack of merit on Rarara’s part, but rather institutional hesitation in dealing with a figure whose art, political songs, and social influence are both celebrated and contested.

There is clear precedent for cultural icons receiving academic recognition. The late Mamman Shata, perhaps the most revered Hausa musician of the 20th century, was formally honoured by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. That recognition secured his place not only in the cultural memory of the Hausa people but also in academic history. By that measure, Rarara too will, sooner or later, be recognised by universities both within Nigeria and abroad for his cultural and political contributions. The real question is: which university will take the initiative?

Across Nigeria, universities have rightly celebrated industrialists, politicians, and philanthropists with honorary degrees, sometimes even surprising their own local institutions, as happened when other universities honoured Katsina’s business mogul, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, taking Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, his home-state university, by surprise. Yet cultural figures, especially musicians whose work captures the pulse of society, are too often overlooked until history forces recognition.

This is an opportunity for Nigerian universities to redefine what they celebrate. Honorary degrees are not just ceremonial gestures. They are statements of value, affirmations that music, political commentary, and popular culture are as vital to society as commerce and politics.

Whether in Katsina or beyond, Nigerian universities have the opportunity to lead by recognising Rarara. Doing so would not only honour one man but also promote the significance of indigenous music and political expression in our collective intellectual and cultural heritage. The controversy over fake awards should not overshadow this larger truth: Rarara’s contributions are genuine, and he deserves formal recognition.

 Dr Abubakar Bello wrote from the Department of Biological Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina. He can be reached via bello.abubakar@umyu.edu.ng.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant gesture of goodwill, the European-American University (EAU) has formally extended an offer to award genuine honorary degrees to Nigerian celebrities, including popular Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara, who were recently victimised by fraudsters.

This development follows a widely publicised incident in Abuja, where impostors falsely claiming to represent the university organised a sham ceremony and presented fake honorary degrees.

In an official statement, the university confirmed it has reported the fraudulent event to the Nigerian Police for investigation. The EAU stated it believes the recipients, who also include Alhaji Ahmed Saleh jnr, Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh, were “innocent victims” who acted in good faith.

The university has now invited the individuals to contact its Nigerian representative, Professor Luke Okojie, to begin a proper validation process. Subject to their consent and a review of their credentials by the university’s Honorary Degrees Committee, they will be awarded legitimate degrees at the EAU’s official Nigerian convocation this November.

The university explicitly stated that no fees will be required throughout the process, a point emphasised to distance its legitimate operations from the actions of the scammers.

By Uzair Adam

The European-American University (EAU) has distanced itself from reports claiming it awarded an honorary doctorate to popular Hausa political singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara during a ceremony in Abuja.

In a disclaimer published on its official website, the University described the alleged event at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, as fraudulent, stressing that it was organized without its knowledge or approval.

The institution clarified that neither Rarara nor the other individuals mentioned — Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Prof. Tarela Boroh — had received any honorary recognition from EAU. 

“These individuals are not honorands of the University and have no legitimate connection with us,” the statement read.

EAU further disowned Musari Audu Isyaku, who was presented as its representative in Northern Nigeria, stating that he has no authority to act on behalf of the institution. 

It also denied that Idris Aliyu was part of its governing body, noting that the university has no such council. 

Aliyu’s fellowship with EAU was revoked immediately over his alleged role in the fraudulent ceremony.

The University reminded the public that its former Vice Chancellor, Dr Mrs. Josephine Egbuta, had been dismissed earlier this year and no longer represents the institution. 

It affirmed that Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa is the current Vice Chancellor.

On its legal standing, EAU explained that it is a nonprofit private university established in France, with a Royal Charter of Incorporation from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in Uganda. 

It dismissed references to Dominica and Panama as “outdated and false.”

The statement added that the University would work with Nigerian authorities to curb the circulation of fake certificates issued in its name and prosecute those behind the act.

EAU also disclosed that its next legitimate convocation in Nigeria is slated for November 15, 2025, while another awards ceremony will take place in Malaysia in December.

By Uzair Adam 

Renowned Hausa political singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, has received an honorary doctorate degree from the European-American University, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic of Panama.

The award was conferred on him during the university’s 23rd convocation ceremony held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Saturday. 

Rarara was honoured with the Doctor of Science in Humanitarian Service, Music and Entertainment.

Speaking at the event, Professor Idris Aliyu of the Governing Council, who represented the Vice Chancellor, described the honour as a recognition of Rarara’s commitment to both music and community service.

In his remarks, the institution’s Northern Nigeria representative, Dr Musari Audu Isyaku, said Rarara and three others—Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Prof. Tarela Boroh—were selected for their outstanding contributions to humanity.

“This award is a testament to their dedication to excellence and development of the community,” Dr Isyaku stated.

Reacting to the honour, Rarara expressed joy over the recognition, noting that it would inspire him to expand his humanitarian services in Katsina and other parts of Nigeria. 

He also urged young people to be patient and dedicated, saying purposeful living brings wisdom and reward.

Governor of Katsina State, Dr Umaru Dikko Radda, who attended the event, described Rarara as “a phenomenon and unifier” who has delivered humanitarian projects across Nigeria while also promoting unity through music.

Other dignitaries present included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmad Alkali; and members of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Nasiru Sani Danlami, and Abdulmumini Zannah Bungudu.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, congratulates Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, the State Commander-General of Hisbah, on receiving an honorary doctoral degree from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto. The award was conferred during the university’s 42nd convocation on September 6, 2025.

Governor Yusuf praised Sheikh Daurawa for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and his efforts in promoting morality and societal values in Kano. He emphasised that the recognition reflects the recipient’s dedication to eradicating immorality and fostering justice, bringing pride to Kano State.

The governor also assured ongoing support for Daurawa’s endeavours in serving humanity and Islam. He prayed for divine guidance and blessings to continue serving the community.

The congratulatory message was conveyed during a meeting at the Kano Government House, as announced by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Professor Muktar Atiku Kurawa, has announced that the institution will host its second combined convocation ceremony from Friday, July 25 to Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Professor Kurawa described the event as a significant milestone in the university’s development.

He noted that the convocation would cover five academic sessions, from 2018/2019 to 2023/2024, and will include both undergraduate and postgraduate graduands.

The Daily Reality reports that this marks the first convocation for the university’s postgraduate students, following the commencement of its postgraduate programmes in 2021.

Highlighting the uniqueness of this year’s convocation, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, a retired Supreme Court Justice, will be installed as the new Chancellor of the university.

As part of the ceremony, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on notable Nigerians who have significantly contributed to its growth and progress.

Among them is Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and founder of the university and its sister institution, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil.

Other recipients of the honorary doctorate include philanthropist Hajiya Maryam Sunusi Dantata, the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata (to be honoured posthumously), Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Bebeji, proprietor of Aliko Oil, and Alhaji Adamu Yahya (popularly known as A.Y Maikifi).

“These individuals have supported the university since inception and have been instrumental in promoting its mission. We obtained Senate approval to honour them accordingly,” Professor Kurawa stated.

A pre-convocation lecture is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at the university’s City Campus, to be delivered by Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The event will be chaired by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.Speaking on institutional development, Professor Kurawa disclosed that the university has grown from five to nine faculties, with a tenth — the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies — currently under review by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Plans are also underway to establish a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences offering programs in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, and related fields.

The Vice-Chancellor also confirmed that the university has reverted to its original name, Northwest University, Kano, following a bill signed by the Governor of Kano State on December 25, 2024.

Describing the institution as “first among equals,” Professor Kurawa emphasized that the university is progressing steadily and remains competitive nationally.

He added that the number of students to be convocated is yet to be finalized but assured that a breakdown by session will be released in due course.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

The University of the Holy Qur’an and Taseel of Sciences of the Republic of Sudan awarded Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and renowned Islamic cleric, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), with an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Qur’anic Science.

While the Honourable Minister was awarded in May 2021, he received the award certificate and shared the same on social media only recently.

According to the official social media handles of the Minister, he was the first person in sub-Saharan Africa to receive the award. The statement, in part, reads:

“With the exemption of North Africa, he was the first African to receive the recognition on the Glorious Qur’an.”

During Ramadan, Sheikh Pantami delivers Tafsir at the Annur Masjid in the Nigerian capital, FCT Abuja. He also holds other preaching sessions outside the Holy Month at the same mosque or elsewhere.

By Habibu Maaruf Abdu

The famous Kannywood producer, Alhaji Abdurrahman Muhammad, popularly known as Abdul Amart Mai-Kwashewa, has received an honorary doctorate in Diplomacy and Public Management from IHERIS University, Togo.

This was disclosed in his Instagram post on Sunday, November 13, 2022.

“On the 12th of Nov 2022, I was honoured by the IHIRIS (sic) University Togo with a doctor of philosophy in Diplomacy and Public Management. It is indeed a great honour, and as such, I will like to thank the management of IHERIS university for this great honour. May Allah almighty make it useful for me and the entire Universe.”

Amart is the CEO of Abnur Films and the national president of the Yahaya Bello Network (YBN) group. He was recently appointed as the director of Northern Artists (Kannywood) for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

This is IHERIS University’s second degree of honour conferment on a Kannywood personnel, having previously conferred producer-cum-actor, Usman Uzee, with a doctor of philosophy in Media and Communication Studies in 2021.

Recall that Ali Nuhu was the first Kannywood member to receive an Honorary Doctorate after being awarded a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and Youth Development by the ISM Adonai American University, Cotonou, in 2018.