By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar
Former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Sardaunan Katsina, Ambassador Ahmad Rufa’i Abubakar, has described the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees by Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, as a solemn call to service, integrity, and continued commitment to humanity.
Ambassador Abubakar made the remarks on Saturday, 7 February 2026, while delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of the three honorary award recipients—late former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda; and the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Ali Ghanim Al-Hajri—during the university’s 14th convocation ceremony.
Speaking with humility and gratitude, Ambassador Abubakar said the honours were bestowed in recognition of the recipients’ contributions to public service, governance, diplomacy, and global peace-building. He paid glowing tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a symbol of integrity, discipline, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
According to him, Buhari’s leadership style was defined by courage, diligence, and respect for institutions, noting that his personal mentorship left a lasting impact on those who worked closely with him. He prayed for the repose of the former president’s soul.
Ambassador Abubakar also commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, whom he described as a committed public servant and former colleague in the federal civil service. He said the governor has shown strong resolve in tackling insecurity and other development challenges confronting Katsina State, expressing confidence that the honorary degree would further inspire him to deepen reforms and people-oriented governance.
On the Qatari envoy, Ali Ghanim Al-Hajri, Ambassador Abubakar described him as a diplomat-scholar with vast experience in international mediation and conflict resolution. He highlighted Qatar’s consistent role in global peace initiatives, including efforts in Sudan, Afghanistan, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gaza, and the wider Middle East.
He noted that Qatar’s success in diplomacy was anchored on a disciplined, professional, and highly skilled diplomatic corps, supported by effective institutions and strong political will.
Reflecting on the significance of the awards, Ambassador Abubakar said the recognition carried deep symbolism, given that UMYU is named after a former Nigerian president widely respected for humility, discipline, justice, and commitment to the rule of law. He stressed that universities play a critical role beyond teaching, serving as centres for nurturing values, ideas, and future leaders.
He further emphasized the importance of higher institutions in producing ethical, service-oriented graduates capable of addressing contemporary challenges such as insecurity, economic pressures, and global uncertainty.
In accepting the honorary degrees, Ambassador Abubakar said the recipients renewed their commitment to supporting education, sharing knowledge and experience, and contributing to the advancement of humanity in Nigeria and beyond.
He thanked the university’s Senate, Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, and management for the honour, as well as friends and well-wishers, while expressing gratitude to Allah for life, strength, and guidance.
