By Rasheed Abubakar
* Receives honorary doctorate at University of Abuja convocation
* Says education is most powerful instrument for breaking poverty cycle
The moment Prof Yusuf Ali SAN stepped onto the convocation podium of University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, the atmosphere shifted into one of reverence and celebration. It was Saturday April 18, 2026, at the institution’s combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremony, and all eyes followed the distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin as he acknowledged the roaring applause with a composed smile.
Clad in a blue suit, white shirt and red tie, the renowned legal luminary took repeated bows, modest yet visibly appreciative, as the Master of Ceremonies began the elaborate citation. Each title rolled out with measured emphasis. SAN. FCIArb. FNIALS. The audience responded with nods of recognition, fully aware that they were witnessing the honouring of a man whose imprint on Nigeria’s legal and intellectual landscape remains profound.
The conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Laws, LLB Honours Causa, on Prof Yusuf Ali was not a mere ceremonial gesture. It followed the formal approval of the university’s Governing Council at its 83rd Extraordinary Meeting, acting on the recommendation of the University Senate. The honour reflected decades of sustained contributions to national development, legal scholarship and public service, areas in which the senior advocate has built an enduring legacy.
He was not alone on the honours list. Alongside him, the university also conferred honorary doctorate degrees on other distinguished Nigerians. Paul Odili, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Paulo Group of Companies, received a Doctor of Business Administration, while Emmanuel Issa was similarly recognised for his contributions in his field. Together, they represented a cross section of excellence spanning law, business and enterprise.
Vice Chancellor Fawehinmi praises Yusuf Ali SAN, others for national development contributions
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Hakeem Fawehinmi, described the recognition as part of the university’s enduring tradition of celebrating individuals who have distinguished themselves in service to society. He spoke with a tone that blended institutional pride with personal admiration. “I doff my hat for you for this well deserved honour and great achievement,” he said, drawing applause from an audience that included family members, friends, colleagues and a wide array of dignitaries.
Shortly after, Muslim News gathered that Prof Yusuf Ali SAN was formally invested with the academic gown and cap of an honorary doctorate holder, an act performed by respected academics, traditional rulers and dignitaries present at the ceremony. The symbolic decoration marked his induction into the university’s highest circle of honorary recognition, set against the backdrop of a gathering held at the institution’s main campus along Airport Road in Abuja.
Honour comes from Allah: Yusuf Ali SAN
In his acceptance speech, Prof Yusuf Ali SAN set a reflective and deeply spiritual tone. He reminded the audience that honour and power ultimately belong to Allah, who gives and takes as He wills. Quoting from the Quran, Chapter 3 Verse 26, he emphasised that there is no limit to divine authority and wisdom, grounding the moment in humility and faith. It was a fitting message at a ceremony that celebrated human achievement while acknowledging a higher source of all success.
Speaking before university leaders, staff, graduands and guests, he stressed that the honour he received was not a personal culmination but a renewed call to service. For him, recognition carried responsibility, not comfort. He described the award as an invitation to deeper reflection, stronger commitment to public good and continued dedication to scholarship, justice and national development.
Prof. Yusuf Ali SAN also used the occasion to reflect on his philosophy of law as a calling rather than a profession. He described the legal field as a disciplined instrument for justice, fairness and social order. Drawing from the insight of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr, he noted that the life of the law is shaped not only by logic but also by lived experience. This philosophy, he said, has guided his work across the courtroom, academia and public service, shaping his understanding of law as a tool for societal balance.
He further reflected on his experience in university governance, recalling his service as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State University, as well as Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria. These roles, he said, strengthened his belief that education and law are inseparable foundations of national development. Universities, he emphasised, must remain spaces of intellectual courage, moral discipline and critical thinking.
Education is most powerful instrument for breaking poverty cycle
A recurring theme in his speech was the principle of giving back. Speaking on behalf of fellow honourees, he stressed that success derives its true meaning only when it benefits others. He identified education as the most powerful instrument for breaking poverty cycles and building a just society. The honours, he noted, were reminders that greater privilege demands greater responsibility, a principle that has guided his continuous investment in human capital development, particularly among young Nigerians.
Addressing graduating students, Prof Yusuf Ali SAN balanced encouragement with realism. He congratulated them on their academic milestones but reminded them that their degrees symbolise responsibility more than status. He urged them to uphold integrity, courage and ethical conduct in a society that demands both knowledge and character. Quoting motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, he encouraged persistence and hard work, noting that true success is measured not by material wealth but by impact and values.
He also turned his attention to the university, offering counsel on institutional development. He urged Yakubu Gowon University to maintain strong academic standards and protect the integrity of its qualifications. He called for deeper engagement between academia and society, stressing that universities must contribute actively to solving national challenges. He further advocated improved welfare for staff and students, stronger leadership development, and sustained partnerships with alumni, government and the private sector to enhance institutional relevance and growth.
The speech carried a strong note of gratitude. Prof Yusuf Ali acknowledged mentors, colleagues, associates and family members whose support shaped his journey. He paid tribute to the legacy of Yakubu Gowon, after whom the university is now named, describing his commitment to national unity and reconciliation as a lasting source of inspiration for the institution and the nation.
Yusuf Ali foundation announces annual postgraduate scholarships for law students
In a significant announcement that drew applause, he revealed that the Yusuf Olaolu Ali Foundation would commence the award of ten postgraduate scholarships annually to law students for the next ten years, subject to collaboration with the university. He described the initiative as part of a broader commitment to nurturing future leaders and expanding access to legal education in Nigeria.
Prof Yusuf Ali’s honours list extends well beyond the convocation stage. He has received several awards and recognitions for excellence in law and public service, including his historic turbaning as the first Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday April 11, 2025. The traditional honour further cemented his place in the cultural heritage of the community as the first holder of the distinguished title. He also joins a select group of fewer than one hundred individuals who have been so honoured in the over two centuries of existence of the southernmost Emirate in Nigeria.
More recently, he was named the Nigerian Muslim Legal Person of the Year by Muslim News Nigeria (this medium) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession, commitment to justice, scholarly excellence, philanthropy, and unwavering support for Islamic and community development. The award underscores his influence not only in the legal field but also in broader societal advancement. He is expected to formally receive the honour on Sunday June 14, 2026, during the organisation’s 7th anniversary lecture, further affirming his standing as a leading figure in Nigeria’s legal and intellectual community.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Prof reiterated his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to justice, service and nation building. The convocation thus became more than an academic gathering. It evolved into a moment of reflection on the intersection of law, education and public service. Through his speech and presence, Prof Yusuf Ali did not merely receive an honour, he restated a lifelong mission anchored on knowledge, integrity and service to humanity.
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