UEL Honours Mbah with Doctorate, Celebrates Leadership, Innovation, Public Service
Governor: ‘I’ve never accepted the limits of my inherited circumstances’
…Says education, disruptive innovation key to transforming society
The University of East London, UEL, United Kingdom, on Thursday conferred an honorary Doctor of Law degree, honoris causa, on the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, in recognition of his leadership, academic excellence, entrepreneurial accomplishments and contributions to public service.
Mbah, who is an alumnus of the university, received the honour during the institution’s graduation ceremony at its Docklands Campus in London.
Presenting the citation, the Vice-Provost (Business) and Executive Dean, Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof. Fatima Ana-Diab, highlighted Mbah’s achievements as a student and his subsequent career in law, business and public administration.
She recalled that Mbah, who studied law at UEL and graduated in 2000, demonstrated leadership qualities during his time at the institution, serving as President of the Students’ Law Society and representing students on the Students’ Representative Council and the School of Law Board.
According to her, Mbah also led the transformation of the Students’ Law Society into the university’s Most Productive Society of the Year, won the UEL Mooting Competition and represented the university at the International Negotiation Competition.
“More than two decades ago, Peter Mbah walked these halls as a law student, developing the knowledge, determination and leadership that would take him from UEL to the Nigerian Bar, the world of business and ultimately to public office as Governor of Enugu State,” Ana-Diab said.
She noted that after his graduation from UEL, Mbah proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar, while his quest for further knowledge took him to Lagos State University, IESE Business School in Spain, Lagos Business School and the University of Oxford.
The university also acknowledged his achievements as the founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, describing his career as one spanning law, entrepreneurship and public service.
According to Ana-Diab, Mbah’s experience in government included serving as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State before becoming governor in May 2023.
She said his administration’s emphasis on education and skills development reflected his conviction that education is the cornerstone of human progress.
“At the heart of his approach is a belief in the transformative power of education. His administration has made significant investment in education and skills, seeking to move learning beyond traditional models and equip young people with the knowledge, competencies and confidence to participate in a changing global economy,” she stated.
The university further commended Mbah’s investments in education, infrastructure, healthcare, innovation, investment and community development, describing his journey from a UEL law student to lawyer, entrepreneur and governor as an example of the possibilities education could unlock.
In his acceptance speech, Mbah said his leadership philosophy was anchored on disruptive innovation, education and service to humanity.
“One quality has always mattered to me: the willingness to disrupt. I have never been particularly interested in accepting the limits of my inherited circumstances,” he said.
The governor, however, stressed that imagination must be matched with purpose and service.
“For me, that purpose is service, because there will always be mornings when ambition alone will not get you out of bed; and moments when the road becomes difficult and the rewards seem far away. At those moments, it matters to have something that transcends self,” Mbah said.
He described education as a powerful instrument for expanding human capacity and creating opportunities for others.
“Education enlarges our capacity to transform the world. I believe that deeply. What we are given must somehow enlarge the possibilities available to others,” he stated.
Mbah disclosed that his administration was investing 33 per cent of the state’s budget in education as part of efforts to build schools, establish technology hubs and prepare young people for a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.
He expressed profound appreciation to UEL for the honorary doctorate and for the role the institution played in shaping his academic and professional journey.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
