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 of Malaysia in recognition of his contributions to higher education development, policy innovation, and international academic collaboration.
The conferment took place on Monday in Kuala Lumpur during the university’s convocation ceremony, which attracted academics, policymakers, dignitaries, and a large Nigerian delegation, particularly from Gombe State, where Lincoln University recently established a branch campus.
In his acceptance speech, Maiyaki described the honour as both humbling and symbolic, noting its special significance coming from an institution globally recognised for innovation, creativity, and leadership in higher education.
He traced Lincoln University’s growth from its founding as Lincoln College in 2002 to its elevation to a university college in 2011, culminating in its emergence as a major player in Transnational Education (TNE).
Maiyaki highlighted the landmark approval granted by the Nigerian government and the subsequent licensing by the NUC in 2025, which enabled the establishment of Lincoln University’s branch campus in Gombe State—the first practical TNE experiment 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,” he said.
According to him, within less than one 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 stressed that the honorary doctorate transcends personal recognition, describing it as a shared commitment to the internationalisation of higher education as a tool for access, equity, and liberation for Nigerians, irrespective of geography or socio-economic background.
Maiyaki described the occasion as a milestone where vision, knowledge diplomacy, and purposeful leadership converged to dismantle barriers and expand access to quality education through digital delivery, particularly at a time when global calls are intensifying 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, adding that the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to advocate policies that promote the growth of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.
He also underscored 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 noted.
Dedicating the award to the graduating students of Lincoln University, Maiyaki commended their confidence in the institution and praised educators and institutions advancing transnational education as a powerful vehicle for delivering quality learning.
He challenged Lincoln University to intensify its advocacy for equitable, robust, and relevant transnational education, stressing that digital learning and TNE are no longer optional for Nigeria but essential for national development.
Describing the Malaysian campus as a model of effective integration of mission, technology, pedagogy, and purpose, Maiyaki expressed optimism that the Gombe branch campus would produce not just graduates, but global citizens and transformational leaders.
He pledged, in his new role as an honorary graduand of the university, to champion partnerships, deepen access, and expand 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 seat in the future education promises.