Ogunbiyi, others bag honorary doctorate at OAU

Group Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, has been conferred with an honorary doctorate by the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Ogunbiyi was awarded the honourary Doctor of Business Management, alongside four other personalities, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, during the 48th convocation of the university, held at the institution’s Amphi theatre.

Tinubu was conferred with the honourary Degree of Doctor of Public Administration; Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe was conferred with the honourary Doctor of Science in Energy Planning and Management, and Olukotun Karl Toriola and Daere Akobo was conferred with the honourary Doctor of Science in Engineering and Business Management, respectively.

Speaking at the programme, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, said all the awardees were qualified to be recipients of the awards.

Bamire said the university honoured the awardees for recognition of their commitment to the development in their various fields. Speaking after his award, Ogunbiyi thanked the university for the honour.

Ogunbiyi, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), formerly known as the University of Ife, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics, earning a Second Class Upper Division.

Over the years, he has consistently contributed to the development of his alma mater and pledged to continue these efforts. Reflecting on his recognition, Ogunbiyi said, “This is an incredible achievement from a prestigious institution like OAU. It was unexpected, but as events unfolded, I could sense it coming, especially after being conferred with the highest honour of the alumni association—Commander of Great Ife.”

He continued, “This recognition is truly special. As an alumnus, I’ve been doing my part to support the university, particularly at the faculty level. I am committed to ensuring continuity and will keep working to uphold the values that earned me this honour.”

The Chancellor of the University, Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, also congratulated the awardees. He described the awards as a testament to the university’s appreciation of their contributions to the progress of humanity and the institution’s welfare.