Distinguished Nigerians Honoured As British American Open University Awards Honorary Phd, Ambassadorial Certificates
…Hosts Prestigious Investiture of World Human Rights Watchers, Justice and Peace Advocates in Abuja
By Bonny Alaneme Abuja
It was a Day of dignity, global recognition, and applause as the British American Open University of California, USA – BAOU, conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Certificates of Special Appointment on distinguished Nigerians who have excelled in service to humanity, governance, business, media, and nation-building.
The high-profile ceremony, held 22nd August, 2026, at Merit House, Abuja, was well attended by international delegates, students, awardees’ family members, friends, traditional rulers, and the media.
The event was anchored by BAOU’s top leadership: Vice Chancellor, Prof. David Bruce Day; Vice President, Prof. Walter Parrish Terry; and the Registrar/African Director, Prof. Paul Godwin Udofia, alongside the entire Governing Board of the University.
HONORARY DOCTORATE AWARDS
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to society, several eminent Nigerians were awarded Honorary PhD Degrees in Leadership, Humanitarian Service, Peace Building, and Entrepreneurship. The honorees were celebrated for their track record of impact and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s development.
AMBASSADORIAL INVESTITURE & INDUCTION:
The high point of the Day was the Award Investiture of Certificates of Special Appointment as Hon. Ambassadors of World Human Rights Watchers, Justice and Peace Advocates and the Induction into the International Association of World Human Rights Watchers, Justice and Peace Advocates.
A total of 16 distinguished Nigerians received the honour, including Amb. Bonny C. Alaneme –Publisher & CEO, Africa ScienceTech Digest Magazine #Afrscitechdigest
Amb. Alaneme was recognized for his media advocacy, promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa, and his commitment to amplifying voices of justice, peace, and human dignity through journalism and public engagement. Other 15 awardees were drawn from academia, law, civil society, security, media, business, and public service.
Presenting the awards, Prof. David Bruce Day, BAOU Vice Chancellor, said the university is committed to identifying and honoring global citizens who are making real impact in their communities. In his keynote address, Prof. David challenged the Awardees to be the Changed Agents in the development struggle for inclusive Transformation of Nigeria and Africa.
On his remark, Prof. Walter Parrish Terry, Vice President, charged the new Ambassadors to be “voices of conscience, defenders of human rights, and champions of peace in a troubled world.
In his remarks, Prof. Paul Godwin Udofia, Registrar/African Director, described Nigeria as “a beacon of talent and leadership in Africa” and pledged BAOU’s continued partnership with Nigerian institutions to advance education, peace, and human rights. He therefore, urged the Award recipients to do more and offer their wealth of knowledge, experience and skills as Ambassadors towards watching human rights abuses, defending Justice and building peace advocacy in the world especially in Nigeria and Africa.
ATMOSPHERE & MEDIA COVERAGE
The event featured keynote addresses, goodwill messages, cultural displays, and the official induction/oath-taking of the new Ambassadors. The hall was filled with excitement as family members and colleagues celebrated the awardees.
The ceremony received wide media coverage from print, broadcast, and online platforms, projecting Nigeria’s image as a hub of excellence and humanitarian leadership.
ABOUT BAOU California, USA:
The British American Open University of California, USA is an international institution dedicated to open and distance learning, leadership development, and global recognition of excellence. Through its World Human Rights Watchers, Justice and Peace Advocates program, BAOU mobilizes leaders worldwide to promote justice, equity, and peace.
