Elections
Video: Reactions As UNICAL Honors Wike With Doctorate
By Benjamin Abioye
The University of Calabar’s decision to award Wike an honorary doctorate in law has sparked widespread outrage and criticism.
The University of Calabar has conferred an honorary doctorate degree in law on Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State.
The award has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians questioning the basis of the decision.
In a video circulating across Nigerian news platforms, Wike was seen being dressed in the academic regalia and receiving the honorary degree in a formal ceremony. The event, meant to honor his contributions, has instead fueled heated debates, with critics arguing that the former governor’s political actions contradict the ideals of justice and integrity that a law degree represents.
Many Nigerians took to social media to express their disappointment. A user, Samuel Chijioke (@sirjokesinfo), criticized the university, stating, “Rewarding bad deeds should not be encouraged by our learning institutions. How can you give a man who has sworn to destroy the lives of his people over his personal ambition an honorary doctorate degree?”
Some also accused Nigerian universities of compromising academic integrity. Chidi (@Chidire) remarked, “Nigerian professors will rig elections for politicians and afterward honor them with doctoral degrees to be used again for the next election.” Others echoed similar concerns, arguing that honorary degrees are now being awarded for political loyalty rather than merit.
While some made sarcastic remarks about the situation, others directly mocked Wike. RONZ (@BIGR0NZ) wrote, “Wike with a doctorate in law? Guess we should start calling him ‘Learned Honourable Doctor Minister Governor Wike, SAN (Senior Advocate of Nollywood)’ 
.”
Critics also questioned the integrity of the institution itself. McAndy N. A. Okwu (@AdrianOkwu) commented, “Welcome to the contraption where institutions take pride in ‘reinforcing failures’.” GeebestOkon (@geebestokon) went further, alleging, “The VC of Unical is as devilish as Wike, if not in a higher dimension.”
Amid the backlash, some argued that financial and political influence played a role in the award. Ukie (@Ukie_95) bluntly stated,”Everything in Nigeria is for sale.” Meanwhile, mustripha MMS
(@_ebonyhome) added, “You don’t need integrity to stay in Nigeria. What you need is money and power.”
Despite the widespread criticism, Wike has not publicly addressed the backlash. However, the controversy surrounding his honorary doctorate continues to fuel debates about the credibility of Nigeria’s educational institutions and the ethics of recognizing politicians with questionable records.
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