The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has been invited to deliver the 14th convocation lecture at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the university’s management to his office on Thursday. The delegation, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf, extended the invitation.
In recognition of his exceptional leadership and achievements as a lawmaker, Al-Hikmah University has also decided to confer an honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration on Speaker Abbas.
Expressing his gratitude, Speaker Abbas shared his background as an educator, beginning his teaching career at the primary school level. He later rose to become the pioneer head of the Accounting Departments at both Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria and Kaduna State University (KASU). Reflecting on his 22 years in academia, he expressed pride in his journey and a desire to return to teaching once his political career concludes.
“I’m honored to receive you today. I started my career as a teacher and spent 22 years in education. I look forward to returning to the classroom after my political career,” said Speaker Abbas. He also expressed his willingness to discuss any relevant and contemporary topic for the convocation lecture.
While congratulating Al-Hikmah University for successfully hosting its annual conference, Speaker Abbas thanked the institution for awarding him the honorary degree, calling it the most significant recognition since becoming Speaker.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Prof. Yusuf mentioned that the invitation to deliver the lecture on January 6, 2025, was part of the university’s tradition of inviting prominent figures. He noted that previous convocation lecturers included notable Nigerians such as former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.
This announcement highlights Speaker Abbas’s ongoing contributions to both education and public service, which have earned him recognition across various sectors.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.