The University of East London (UEL) in the United Kingdom has conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, in recognition of his academic, entrepreneurial and public service achievements. Mbah received the honorary degree during the university’s graduation ceremony at its Docklands Campus in London.……
The University of East London (UEL) in the United Kingdom has conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, in recognition of his academic, entrepreneurial and public service achievements.
Mbah received the honorary degree during the university’s graduation ceremony at its Docklands Campus in London.
Presenting his citation, according to The Nation, the Vice-Provost (Business) and Executive Dean, Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof. Fatima Ana-Diab, recalled Mbah’s time as a law student at UEL and his leadership roles within the institution.
“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.
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She noted that Mbah served as President of the Students’ Law Society and helped transform it into the university’s “Most Productive Society of the Year”.
According to her, he also represented students on the Students’ Representative Council and School of Law Board, won UEL’s Mooting Competition and represented the university at the International Negotiation Competition.
Mbah graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from UEL in 2000 before returning to Nigeria, where he attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar.
His academic pursuits later included a Master’s degree in Maritime and Commercial Law from Lagos State University, an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, executive education at Lagos Business School and postgraduate study in Strategy and Innovation at the University of Oxford.
Ana-Diab also highlighted Mbah’s career in business and public administration, particularly his role as founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas and his previous service as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State.
“In May 2023, Peter Mbah took office as Governor of Enugu State, bringing his experience across law, business and public administration to the leadership of millions of people,” she said.
The university also highlighted Mbah’s emphasis on education as a key component of his administration’s development agenda.
“At the heart of his approach is a belief in the transformative power of education,” the citation stated.
The university said Mbah’s journey from a law student to a lawyer, entrepreneur and governor demonstrated the role education could play in creating opportunities and driving societal change.
“Peter’s journey from UEL law student to lawyer, entrepreneur and Governor demonstrates the possibilities that education can unlock and the responsibility that comes with using those opportunities to create change for others,” Ana-Diab said.
In his acceptance speech, Mbah reaffirmed his belief in innovation, education and public service, saying leaders must be willing to challenge existing limitations.
“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 said ambition must be accompanied by a sense of purpose and service, particularly during difficult periods.
“But imagination is not enough. There must be purpose. For me, that purpose is service,” Mbah said.
He also linked his administration’s investment in education to his belief that knowledge should expand opportunities for future generations.
“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 said.
Mbah said his administration currently allocates 33 per cent of the state budget to education.
“That is why, today, we invest 33 per cent of our state budget in education. We are building schools, tech hubs and opportunities for young people to participate in an economy that is increasingly driven by knowledge, innovation and technology,” he stated.
The governor thanked the university for the honour and for its contribution to his development, saying its role had been significant in shaping the person he had become.
