Education
Ex-Edo Rep, 8 Others Bag PhD, MSc From UniAbuja
The Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees to five students and Master’s degrees to another three students in Public Governance and Leadership, as well as in Policy and Strategic Studies, on Tuesday.
Among the recipients of the Doctoral degrees was Patrick Aselumele Ikhariale, a former member of the House of Representatives for Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben, who earned a PhD in Public Governance and Leadership. Babatunde Anthony Osho, a seasoned business executive with decades of experience in the petroleum industry, also received a doctorate in Policy and Strategic Studies.
The other recipients of Doctoral degrees were Ibrahim Barau Idris-Galadima of Izom, Onyemaobi Sebastian Okechukwu Monday, and Timothy Emeje, trio of whom earned PhDs in Public Governance and Leadership. Additionally, Apeh Unubi Joseph was awarded a PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies..
The three students awarded Master’s degrees in Policy and Strategic Studies were Ijeoma Mary Ukpabi, Babatunde Akpeji, and Omoikhnu Omokhodion Airenakho.
According to the external examiner, Professor Akongbowa Bramwell Amadasun, these academic achievements were conferred after the candidates successfully met requirements, including defending their theses and dissertations on September 9, 2025.
Following the event, the Director of the Centre, Professor Philip Dahida, commended the university’s School of Postgraduate Studies and the external examiner for their professionalism, knowledge transfer, and dedication in evaluating the candidates’ work. He urged all the graduates to heed the advice of both external and internal examiners, emphasizing the importance of applying their research knowledge to improve Nigerian society.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Patrick Ikhariale praised the leadership and staff of the university for creating an environment conducive to knowledge-based growth. He expressed his commitment to applying his research for national benefit.
“It’s a significant day, and I’m very grateful to God. I thank the university, especially the ALC for providing us with a supportive environment. The cooperation from both academic and non-academic staff has been exceptional, fostering encouragement and academic guidance.
“I’m proud of my academic achievements. After completing other levels of education, I chose to pursue a PhD in Public Governance and Leadership for compelling reasons. Knowledge is invaluable and serves as a powerful tool for the future,” said the former lawmaker.
Similarly, Babatunde Anthony Osho pledged to use the knowledge gained in public service to support government policy formulation, highlighting the importance of continuous training for leaders.
“I plan to utilize the knowledge I’ve gained to improve society and contribute to public service. I believe we should emphasize retraining for our leaders in policy and strategic studies as part of our leadership curriculum. The Abuja Leadership Centre has provided me with this opportunity, for which I am very grateful,” Osho stated.
Ibrahim Barau Idris-Galadima Izom also expressed his gratitude: “I thank the Centre for equipping me with valuable knowledge. I am confident that what I have learned will benefit both my personal growth and my community.
“Our country faces significant leadership challenges, and I recommend this institution to our leaders. It is crucial for them to understand what true leadership entails and to be prepared before assuming positions of authority,” he emphasized.
Other academics who attended the event included Professor Rafatu Abdulhamid, Professor Ikenna Alumona, Professor Joseph Golwa, Professor Banjo Adewale, Dr. Yusuf Lawal, Dr. Success Ademeso, Dr. B.T. Adejumo, Dr. Tunde Akande, Dr. Eze Ukauwa, Dr. Bulus Maiyaki, Dr. Salem Iyorwuese, Dr. Tochukwu Okeke, and Dr. Adeyanju T. Peter, among others.
The Abuja Leadership Centre at Yakubu Gowon University is recognized as a TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership both in Nigeria and beyond.
Education
Inclusive Education Boost as Deaf-Tech, Federal University of Lafia Roll Out Master’s in Disability Studies
Joel Ajayi
In a major step toward advancing inclusive education in Nigeria, Deaf-in-Tech, an initiative of Data-Lead Africa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) to establish a Professional Master’s Degree in Disability Studies.
The signing ceremony, held at Deaf-in-Tech’s headquarters in Abuja, featured a goodwill message from Prof. Adaka Terfa Ahon, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, who represented FULAFIA’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to championing disability and inclusion in its academic innovation and planning.
The new Master’s programme will adopt a hybrid learning model, with online classes complemented by in-person sessions at Deaf-in-Tech’s training facility in Abuja. It is designed to build expertise in disability-inclusive governance, education, and development across sectors.
Executive Director of Deaf-in-Tech and Co-Founder of Data-Lead Africa, Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, described the collaboration as a “structural shift” in how institutions and professionals engage with disability issues. “The inclusion journey must begin with knowledge, and we are proud to partner with a progressive university like FULAFIA,” he said.
Beyond the postgraduate programme, the partnership will also establish a Deaf-in-Tech Club on FULAFIA’s campus — the first of its kind — to empower Deaf students with technology skills, mentorship, and innovation opportunities. Additional initiatives include a ₦1 million academic excellence reward for any Deaf student who graduates with a First Class, as well as the development of a disability-accessible website and digital database for the Centre for Disability Studies, built to WCAG 2.1 global accessibility standards.
The alliance underscores both institutions’ commitment to building inclusive systems and celebrating excellence, while positioning Deaf-in-Tech as a catalyst for bridging the gap between disability and the digital economy.
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