Celebrating Ali Said Bebeji’s honorary doctorate degreeBy Rt. Hon. Kabiru Al-Hassan Rurum
By all standards of merit, Ali Said Bebeji is not just deserving of an honorary doctorate degree, he exemplifies the very ideals such an award was created to celebrate. As Northwest University, Kano, conferred on him this significant recognition during its 2nd combined convocation on Saturday, 26 July 2025, the event marked more than an academic ritual; it is a celebration of humanity, integrity, and selfless service to community.
In a society often weighed down by greed, inequality, and political opportunism, individuals like Bebeji shine as rare beacons of hope. He has spent decades building bridges of compassion, inspiring young people, and upholding values that are fast becoming endangered in public life: honesty, fairplay, and probity.
The honorary doctorate awarded to him by Northwest University is not just symbolic; it is a resounding endorsement of his life’s work, a testimony that you do not have to be in a public office to touch lives or wield power to drive meaningful change.
Bebeji’s influence does not stem from political authority or personal wealth, but from his consistent ability to connect with people, especially the most vulnerable, and respond with real, measurable acts of support and empowerment.
Ali }}pBebeji is a man who identifies wholeheartedly with the downtrodden. In both word and deed, he has consistently shown up for those whose voices are often muted in the larger societal dialogue. Whether through scholarship programmes, vocational training for unemployed youths, or direct financial support to struggling families, he has continued to show that humanitarianism is not about grandstanding, it is about genuine compassion for others, especially those society often forgets.
What sets him apart even further is his remarkable inclusiveness. In a region and country where political and religious affiliations often divide communities, Bebeji stands out as a unifier. He remains approachable to people from all backgrounds, regardless of political loyalty, religious belief, or social class. He listens without prejudice and acts without bias—an extremely rare trait in today’s hyper-partisan and fractured environment.
Indeed, his open-door policy has endeared him to many, including those who do not share his ideological leanings. In times of crisis or need, Bebeji has never asked what party one belongs to or what faith they profess. His only concern has always been: “How can I help?” That spirit of universal brotherhood and civic responsibility is precisely why the honour from Northwest University is not just appropriate, it is essential.
Moreover, while his public contributions are well-documented, what many may not know is that Bebeji’s integrity begins at home. He is described by those close to him as a very caring family man, present, responsible, and nurturing. This grounding in family values reflects in his broader social conduct, where he approaches each person with dignity and respect.
In the often murky world of public perception, where suspicions of corruption and self-interest are rife, Ali Said Bebeji has maintained an unblemished image. He is respected not for being the loudest or most visible, but for being the most sincere. Integrity, for him, is not an aspiration, it is a way of life. This consistency has earned him trust across the board and made him a moral compass for many younger Nigerians seeking role models in community leadership.
It is also important to note the timeliness of this award. In a period where society is in desperate need of positive examples, when many young people feel disillusioned about leadership and accountability, the recognition of a man like Bebeji serves as a powerful reminder that doing good still counts. It inspires not just admiration, but also emulation. It sends a clear message to students and the wider public: academic excellence must be matched with moral responsibility and service to humanity.
For Northwest University, the decision to honour Bebeji also speaks to its institutional values. It shows a university that is in tune with the realities of its environment and one that seeks to reward not just intellectual achievement, but character and community service. In conferring this award, the university affirms that learning is not only about what happens in classrooms, but also about how knowledge and values are applied in the real world to bring about positive change.
In all, the conferment of an honorary doctorate on Ali Said Bebeji is a most fitting tribute to a man who has lived a life of service, integrity, and compassion. It is a well-deserved recognition of someone who has empowered thousands and inspired many more. As the convocation ceremony unfolded, it was clear that Bebeji’s personal honour was a collective moment of pride for all who believe in community, justice, and hope.
Congratulations, Ali Said Bebeji. The honour is yours, and it is richly earned.
Rt. Hon. Kabiru Al-Hassan Rurum
Member, House of Representatives representings Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure federal constituency, Kano State
