Editorial
THE NEED TO REGULATE ISSUANCE OF HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREES.
Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Education and other Regulatory Agencies and Bodies should regulate issuance of Honorary Doctorate Degrees, it’s Appellation and Usage.
I say the above because it is becoming an Intellectual nuisance and menace the way and manner many who have not seen the four walls of university buy Honorary Doctorate Degrees from different institutions and mushroom houses masquerading under different guises.
This has become imperative because of the hell people who are into Academics go through to acquire Bachelor Degrees, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters Degree before acquiring Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D) in their respective fields and areas of studies and socialization.
On the average people spend close to fifteen years or even more to acquire a Ph.D. For the purposes of clarity and proper understanding, some spend between four (4) to six(6) years for First Degree depending on the course and field of study.
While those with good grades proceed to Masters program direct, those who graduate with Third Class and Pass are mandated to do Postgraduate Diploma for a duration of nine(9) months to one(1)year to prequalify them for Masters that takes another two(2) to three(3)years.
Doctorate programs in some schools is between three(3) to four(4)years but some even last up to seven(7) to ten(10) years largely due to the pace of the students and in other cases due to their Supervisors.
The process of acquiring those Academic Degrees are mixed with sweet and bitter experiences and memories including the great and outstanding personalities and characters that you meet in the respective ivory towers and citadels of learnings.
Now for people in the above categories that go through the rigors to acquire those Degrees, they don’t only earn them, they also cherish them because they know the value. But same cannot be said about some of the political Doctorate Titles that are flying everywhere.
In real sense of its word, Honorary Doctorate which in Latin is Honoris Causa or Ad Honorem is a situation where Universities waive all requirements and Confer or Award it to persons who have distinguished themselves in different areas like Music, Sports, Literature, Medicine, Banking, etc.
The framers or those who conceptualized the above never meant it for petty politics like those that are prevalent in our climes where every Tom, Dick and Harry who have not even gone to school are getting arranged mushroom Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
The trivialization and commonization of Honorary Doctorate Degrees has necessitated the need for relevant bodies and regulatory agencies to streamline and possibly put in place stringent conditions and requirements for the Conferment, Award or Acquisition of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and further delineate same to distinguish between Honorary Doctorate Degree and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D).
The distinction will save those in Academics unimaginable pains of seeing daft parading their consciences as Doctors without knowing the unquantifiable sacrifices and prices of acquiring a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree.
~~~ Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli aka Mirror and Conscience of Society, the Intellectual Giant cum Iroko.
By Divine Perezide
Prominent Niger Delta figure and former militant leader, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo — widely known as Tompolo — has voiced strong optimism that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will soon reclaim his position.
Speaking during his birthday celebration held on Saturday in the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Tompolo addressed the ongoing political tension in Rivers State and affirmed his belief in Fubara’s return.
Governor Fubara was suspended in March under contentious circumstances, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu. In his place, Ibok-ete Ibas was installed as a sole administrator to oversee the state’s governance for a six-month interim period.
Addressing guests at the event, Tompolo highlighted the unity and determination of the Ijaw Nation, declaring:
“We have only one state, and our focus remains on Bayelsa. If you think power lies solely in being president or governor, and you attempt to undermine Bayelsa, you will face consequences.”
He also expressed the strength and support shared among people of the region, adding:
“One of us is stronger than twenty. Our brother, the governor of Bayelsa State, no matter our political disagreements—will always have our support.”
Turning his attention to Fubara’s situation, Tompolo expressed confidence in a peaceful resolution, saying:
“Even in Rivers State, our son Fubara will return to his rightful place. Dialogue and understanding will prevail.”
Reflecting on the political events that led to Fubara’s rise to office, Tompolo noted that the Ijaw people had been sidelined during that process. He pointed to former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike’s pivotal role, saying:
“Wike is my friend, but when he chose Fubara, no Ijaw man was involved or consulted. Yet, here we are standing for truth.”
Fubara’s suspension, along with that of other elected officials, emerged from a deepening rift between him and Wike, his predecessor—a feud that continues to influence the political climate in Rivers State.
By Prof. Binebai
Oporoza, Delta State – In the depths of the sacred and ancient Aziza forest, where the voices of the ancestors are said to echo through the trees, and the winds awaken the Pacific tides with their fury, a figure was born—not merely of flesh and blood, but of divine purpose. In times when the waters of the Niger Delta roared with strife and resilience, a name began to rise—a name spoken in both reverence and awe: Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, known spiritually as Igologolo, Odokorikodo, Ite, Eferekirikpon.
Described by followers and observers as “a mortal vessel of divine purpose,” Ekpemupolo’s story is interwoven with the identity of the Ijaw people and the broader Niger Delta struggle. From a land shaped by both abundance and adversity, his emergence is seen not just as historical, but spiritual—a symbol of the unwavering will of a people who have endured waves of challenge and yet remain standing, proud and unbroken.
“In the heart of the pregnant ancient Aziza forest, where whispers of the gods still linger… a legendary figure emerged from the womb of the land itself,” many recount, evoking the spiritual depth of his origin. To his people, he is not merely a man—he is a force, a bearer of vision, a spirit chiselled from the trials of a restless region.
As the Niger Delta continues to navigate the complexities of development, environmental justice, and self-determination, the legacy of Government Ekpemupolo—fondly known as Tompolo—remains a living testament to the strength and spirit of the Ijaw nation. A mortal, yes—but one whose purpose, many believe, is touched by the divine.
Happy 54th Birthday to the GOC!
By Divine Perezide
Pipeline vandalism remains a critical threat to Nigeria’s economy, environment, and public health. Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has taken commendable steps to sensitize citizens, urging them to reject illegal bunkering and pipeline destruction. Their recent awareness campaign, visible in Warri and other key locations in the Niger Delta, emphasizes the need for collective responsibility in protecting national assets.
The messages on the Billboards read unequivocally:
“Don’t vandalize pipelines -Tantita sensitizes Nigerians
“Don’t vandalize pipelines. Say “No” illegal bunkering and don’t be involved in it. It’s dangerous to your health and our environment.
“Join us to save the environment and shore up the economic base of our Nation, Nigeria.
“TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited with a signpost to the People of Okere road and Ibo market in Warri, Delta State.
Signed:
“Management of TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited.”
The above signage has been seen in various strategic locations across major cities like Warri in the Niger Delta
As a nation, we must recognize that pipeline security is vital for economic stability and environmental sustainability. Authorities must complement such awareness efforts with stronger enforcement measures, ensuring that communities actively participate in safeguarding Nigeria’s energy infrastructure for future generations.