Group chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, was on Saturday, conferred with a honorary doctorate degree by the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Ogunbiyi was awarded the honorary doctor of Business Management alongside four other personalities, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the 48th convocation of the university, held at the Amphi theatre of the institution.
Mrs Tinubu was conferred with the honourary Degree of Doctor of Public Administration, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe conferred with honourary Doctor of Science in Energy Planning and Management, while Olukotun Karl Toriola and Daere Akobo were conferred with honourary Doctors of Science in Engineering and Business Management respectively.
Speaking, vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, said all the awardees are qualified to be recipients of the awards.
Bamire said the university decided to awardees for recognition of their distinguished commitment to the development in their various fields.
Speaking after his award, Ogunbiyi thanked the university for the honour, saying it’s a great honour!
Ogunbiyi, a proud alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), formerly known as the University of Ife, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics, earning a Second Class Upper Division. Over the years, he has consistently contributed to the development of his alma mater and pledged to continue these efforts.
Reflecting on his recognition, Ogunbiyi said, “This is an incredible achievement from a prestigious institution like OAU. It was unexpected, but as events unfolded, I could sense it coming, especially after being conferred with the highest honour of the alumni association—Commander of Great Ife.”
He continued, “This recognition is truly special. As an alumnus, I’ve been doing my part to support the university, particularly at the faculty level. I am committed to ensuring continuity and will keep working to uphold the values that earned me this honour.”
The Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, also congratulated the awardees. He described the awards as a testament to the university’s appreciation of their contributions to the progress of humanity and the institution’s welfare.
