News
Honorary Degree Sparks Tension in Reps Over Use of Academic Titles
…as House deputy leader, Halims showoff award of doctorate
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives on Wednesday witnessed a brief but tense moment during plenary following the announcement of an honorary doctorate awarded to a lawmaker from Kogi State.
The session, which was later presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, had been opened earlier by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, with the formal presentation of petitions and the consideration of motions on matters of urgent public importance.
After the national anthem and opening prayers, the Speaker read a letter informing the House that the Deputy Majority Leader, Rep. Abdullahi Halims, had been honoured with an honorary doctorate by Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
Rep. Halims, who represents Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency of Kogi State and is a member of the All Progressives Congress, formally notified the House of the award through the letter addressed to the Speaker. As colleagues offered their congratulations, he stood up and briefly displayed the award to fellow lawmakers.
However, the gesture prompted an objection from a member also from the APC, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante from Rivers State, who raised concerns about the public display and use of honorary academic titles.
He cautioned against actions that could blur the distinction between academic degrees earned through study and honorary awards conferred as recognition.
Abiante said, “There is a clear-cut distinction between Honorary Doctorate degrees and Doctor of Philosophy. They are two different things.
“That is why some of us, when we stand up, we do not introduce ourselves as Doctor this or Doctor That. I will not sacrifice my labour in the academic environment for someone who just got honoured. Let us have that distinction sir.”
Although the matter was not debated further on the floor, Abiante’s comments drew strong approval from lawmakers across party lines.
In his ruling, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu directed the House Committee on Rules and Business to review the concerns raised and propose clear guidelines on how the House should formally distinguish between honorary doctorates and academically earned degrees.
The exchange reflects a long-standing national debate over the social and professional use of honorary academic titles in Nigeria. Public and private universities regularly award honorary degrees to politicians, business leaders, entertainers and other prominent figures, usually in recognition of philanthropy, influence or public service.
Unlike a PhD, however, honorary doctorates do not involve academic coursework, original research or the defence of a thesis. International academic standards generally discourage recipients from using the “Dr” title in formal or professional contexts, except for ceremonial purposes.
In Nigeria, the issue has remained contentious, particularly within academic circles, where critics argue that widespread use of honorary titles weakens the value of rigorous scholarship and research. Concerns have also been raised about the increasing commercialisation of honorary degrees and their growing use as symbols of status by public office holders.
The matter has surfaced repeatedly within public institutions, professional associations and religious bodies, prompting calls for clearer rules on how honorary degrees should be referenced, especially by individuals in public service.
The incident at the House of Representatives on Wednesday signals that the debate has now reached the legislature, with lawmakers seeking a formal position that acknowledges honorary awards while safeguarding the integrity of earned academic qualifications.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, mother of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy LoveWorld Nation fame, is dead.
Reports from Edo State say that she died at the age of 88 yesterday, Friday, September 25, 2026.
A local publication, Esan News Magazine, reported thus:
“An Iroko has fallen. A mother of nations is gone. Heaven has gained a saint.
According to information made available to Esan News Magazine by a prominent member of the Ekagholo Family of Idunwele, Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, the matriarch of the great Oyakhilome Clan, the beloved mother of our son Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, fondly called Big Mummy, has transited to glory.
September, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, humility and motherhood that touched generations across the world.
“Big Mummy was not just the mother of Pastor Chris. She was the mother of all. A virtuous woman, a prayer warrior, a woman of uncommon grace who raised children that have become global blessings and pride to Esan land.
“Idunwele Ewu is mourning. Ekagholo Family is mourning. Ewu Kingdom is mourning. Esanland is mourning. For we have lost an Okpokhuo, a true jewel of Esan motherhood.
“Her life was a testimony. She lived for God, she lived for family, she lived for humanity. Her laughter brought joy. Her prayers brought strength. Her counsel brought wisdom.
“On behalf of the management and staff of Esan News Magazine and the entire Esan Nation home and abroad, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to our dear elder brother, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the entire Oyakhilome Clan, the Ekagholo Family of Idunwele Ewu, and the Christ Embassy family worldwide.
“We mourn with you in this time of grief. We stand with you. We pray that the good Lord who called Mama home will grant you all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“May her gentle, beautiful and faithful soul rest in perfect peace. Rest on, Big Mummy. Rest on, beloved mother of Pastor Chris. Rest on, Iroko of Ewu.
“Adieu Mama!”
Meanwhile, a senior official of Christ Embassy who was contacted by News Express this Saturday afternoon neither confirmed nor denied the report.
He said: “I have heard the news, too, but it is not for me to confirm her death. I mean, she was aged 88.”
The official promised to make relevant contacts, adding: “I am sure that a statement would be issued if the news is true.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has nabbed Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, south-west zonal coordinator of the women wing of the City Boy Movement, over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, confirmed to TheCable on Saturday that Tejuosho was arrested on September 8.
“She is in our custody,” Oyewale said.
The arrest comes months after the anti-graft agency declared Tejuosho wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud.
In April, the EFCC said Tejuosho, 41, was wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.
The commission said she was an indigene of Lagos state and gave her last known address as House A26, Aso Grove Estate, Maitama Extension, Abuja.
The EFCC had implored people with information on her whereabouts to contact its offices across the country or the nearest police station and other security agencies.
Tejuosho had previously come under the EFCC’s investigation over allegations relating to an appointment and contract scam.
In June 2025, the commission interrogated her following complaints that she allegedly obtained money from individuals under the guise of securing federal government appointments and lucrative contracts.
The EFCC investigation centred on allegations that she used fake appointment letters and forged documents to convince victims that she could facilitate government appointments and contracts.
Tejuosho, who was identified as the founder of Haleems Integrated Services Limited, was subsequently granted administrative bail while the investigation continued.
Following the EFCC’s declaration in April, the City Boy Movement suspended Tejuosho as its south-west zonal coordinator of the women wing.
The movement said the suspension took immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation.
It said the decision was taken as an administrative measure to protect its image, credibility and ethical standards.
The group also said the suspension would allow the investigation to proceed “without interference, obstruction, or undue influence”.
The City Boy Movement is a youth-driven political advocacy group that supports President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Painful: Blessing CEO Loses Son While Still In Kirikiri Prison
SAD: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s mother is dead
EFCC nabs City Boy Movement woman leader
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