Lincoln University honours Maiyaki with PhD
By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
Former Acting Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Management by Lincoln University, Malaysia, in recognition of his contributions to higher education development, policy innovation, and international academic collaboration.
The honorary degree was conferred on Monday in Kuala Lumpur during the university’s convocation ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, academics, policymakers, and a large Nigerian delegation, particularly from Gombe State, where a branch campus of the university was recently established.
In his acceptance speech, Maiyaki described the award as humbling and symbolic, noting that it held special significance coming from an institution renowned for innovation, creativity, and leadership in global higher education.
He traced the evolution of Lincoln University from its beginnings as Lincoln College in 2002 to its elevation as a university college in 2011, and its emergence as a key player in Transnational Education (TNE). He highlighted the landmark approval granted by the Nigerian government and the formal licensing by the NUC in 2025, which paved the way for the establishment of Lincoln University’s branch campus in Gombe State, described as 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,” Maiyaki said.
Maiyaki said within barely 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 degree transcended personal recognition, representing a collective commitment to the internationalization of higher education as a tool for access, equity, and national development, describing the occasion as a convergence of vision, knowledge diplomacy, and purposeful leadership aimed at dismantling barriers to quality education.
“I accept this honour on behalf of my colleagues at the NUC, policymakers, and all stakeholders championing innovative ideas in education.”
He dedicated the award to graduating students of Lincoln University and pledged, in his new role as an honorary graduand, to continue advocating partnerships, access, and innovation in higher education across Nigeria and beyond.