By Felix Khanoba
Former Acting Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management by Lincoln University, Malaysia.
The honorary degree was conferred on Monday in Kuala Lumpur during the institution’s convocation ceremony, in recognition of Maiyaki’s contributions to higher education development, policy innovation and international academic collaboration.
The event attracted academics, policymakers, dignitaries and a sizeable Nigerian delegation, particularly from Gombe State, where Lincoln University recently established a branch campus.
In his acceptance remarks, Maiyaki described the recognition as humbling and symbolic, noting its special significance coming from an institution known globally for innovation, creativity and leadership in higher education.
He traced Lincoln University’s journey from its founding as Lincoln College in 2002, its elevation to a university college in 2011, and its emergence as a major player in Transnational Education (TNE).
Maiyaki recalled the landmark approval by the Nigerian government and the formal licensing by the NUC in 2025, which enabled the establishment of Lincoln University’s Gombe State campus, describing it as the first practical TNE initiative of its kind in Nigeria.
“It is with pride and deep fulfilment that we are here as a huge contingent from Nigeria, and Gombe State in particular, to celebrate Lincoln University Gombe Campus. The story of Lincoln and Gombe has already begun, and from what we have seen, the future looks excellent,” Maiyaki said.
According to him, within less than a year of operation, the university has gained national attention for advancing higher education through digital technology, co-creation, cutting-edge research and innovative curricula.
He noted that the honorary doctorate went beyond personal recognition, symbolising a shared commitment to the internationalisation of higher education as a tool for liberation, access and equity for Nigerians, irrespective of location or socio-economic background.
Maiyaki described the occasion as a milestone marked by the convergence of vision, knowledge diplomacy and purposeful leadership aimed at removing barriers and expanding access to quality education through digital delivery.
He said the honour came at a time when global calls were growing for a reassessment of the mission and purpose of university education.
“I accept this honour on behalf of my colleagues at the National Universities Commission, policymakers, and all stakeholders who continue to champion innovative ideas in education,” he said.
Maiyaki added that the recognition would further strengthen his commitment to advocating policies that promote the growth of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.
He also highlighted the shared commitment linking Nigeria and Malaysia, the NUC, Gombe State and Lincoln University, describing education as the most transformative investment any nation can make.
“Our life choices, whether as individuals, families, or nations, will always gravitate around the investment we make in education and the exposure we give our citizens,” he said.
While dedicating the award to graduating students of Lincoln University, Maiyaki commended their confidence in the institution and praised educators and institutions driving transnational education as a powerful platform for delivering quality learning.
He urged Lincoln University to deepen its advocacy for equitable, relevant and robust transnational education, stressing that digital learning and TNE are no longer optional but essential for Nigeria’s development.
Maiyaki described the Malaysian campus as a model of how mission, technology, pedagogy and purpose can be effectively integrated, expressing optimism that the Gombe campus would produce not just graduates, but global citizens and transformational leaders.
He pledged, in his capacity as an honorary graduand of the university, to continue championing partnerships, expanding access and promoting innovation in higher education.
“As I step into this new journey, I commit to bearing the flag of Lincoln University with pride,” he said, adding that he would not relent until every Nigerian learner is guaranteed a place in the future education promises.
