The Companion, an Association of Men in Business and the Professions, has lauded the conferment of an honourary PhD (Honoris Causa) on Yusuf Ali, the Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin, by the Yakubu Gowon University.

The association described the honour as a fitting tribute to a man who continues to serve as a compass for the legal profession and a pillar of intellectual integrity.

In a statement jointly signed by its National Amir and National Publicity Secretary, Nojeem Jimoh and Prof. Tunde Akanni, respectively, the Islamic bodydescribed the honour as a genuine plaudit for Ali, noting that the recognition is not merely a title but a resounding validation of a lifetime dedicated to compliance with Islamic philosophy manifesting in the pursuit of justice, the advancement of legal scholarship, as well as the enrichment of general human philosophy.

The statement reads: “Author of multiple law publications well-received and often celebrated,

Ali, a Senior Adocate of Nigeria (SAN), has long been a beacon of excellence in the Nigerian legal temple, seamlessly blending the rigors of active legal practice with uncommon depth of academic inquiry.

“Indeed, we rejoice with the University of Abuja for electing to honour a man who embodies distinctions from different perspectives. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he has remained a formidable force in the courtroom, known for his clinical precision, ethical steadfastness, and unwavering commitment to the Rule of Law.

“Ali’s thorough scholarship, as evidenced by his contributions to legal literature, has recently earned him the unprecedented role of a professor of Practice at the Federal University of Oye Ekiti, thus helping to robustly bridge the gap between theory and reality, mentoring generations of lawyers and scholars.

“Beyond, the Kuliya Ngeri explores the ‘why’ behind the law, championing social justice and philanthropic causes that reflect a deep-seated love for humanity. Professor Ali stands conspicuously very tall as a philanthropist dedicated to opening opportunities to society’s underlings. Not a few tertiary institutions of learning spread across the southwest of Nigeria and Kwara state have benefited from his unconditional generosity.”