16th February, 2014
Njala University, Sierra-Leone’s best rated University has honoured Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State with a Doctorate degree of Civil Laws, (Honoris Causa).
The ceremony took place at the university’s convocation ceremony.
In a citation read by the orator of the 50 -year old institution, Tinubu was honored because of his contributions to the deepening of democracy in Nigeria and the sub-region and also because of the tremendous transformation he brought to Lagos while he was governor.
Tinubu, the university said, towers above many contenders for the honour.It went on to salute Tinubu’s political exploits, intellectual acumen and strategic thinking and rounded off the accolades by describing him a great son of Africa.
In his speech, Tinubu, saluted the comeback spirit of the people of Sierra Leone, a country that has risen from the ashes of war to rebuilding their lives and their country.
“From the ash and dust of war, you have stepped forward. A small nation engulfed by such a big war. You persevered, defying the odds and resurrecting and steering yourselves toward hope and peace. As a nation, you have stepped forward. You, as individuals, have stepped forward”.
Tinubu praised the University for the Quality Education it has continued to offer thousands of youth through the years and urged the institution to maintain a high standard.
He further harped on leadership and insisted that without good and committed leadership, Africa will continue to lag behind.
”What I see here encourages me. What I see beginning to evolve in this great country under the competent leadership of Ernest Bai Koroma, his commitment to change and good governance excites me. “
He spoke about his role and that of other progressive leaders in the formation of the All Progressives Congress in Nigeria
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) is more than a political party or organization. It is a mission, a calling forth of the nation to realize its better self… We formed the APC so Nigerians from all walks of life and social station might gather under one tent to develop the nation on the basis of equity and shared prosperity. What we seek is a fair social compact that we may avoid social calamity”.
He thanked the university for the honour and also announced scholarship for 50 indigent students every year for five years.
He also pledged the donation of a hostel for the students, as part of his contribution for the rebuilding of the university, which was affected by Sierra Leone’s civil war.
