Former Acting Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management by Lincoln University of Malaysia.
The honour was bestowed on Monday in Kuala Lumpur during the university’s convocation ceremony, in recognition of Maiyaki’s contributions to higher education development, policy innovation, and international academic collaboration.
The event attracted dignitaries, academics, policymakers, and a large Nigerian delegation, particularly from Gombe State, where a branch campus of Lincoln University was recently established.
In his acceptance speech, Maiyaki described the award as humbling and symbolic, noting that it was especially meaningful coming from an institution known globally for innovation, creativity, and leadership in higher education.
He traced Lincoln University’s evolution from its founding as Lincoln College in 2002 to its elevation as a university college in 2011, and its subsequent emergence as a major player in Transnational Education (TNE).
Maiyaki highlighted the landmark approval by the Nigerian government and formal licensing by the NUC in 2025, which enabled the establishment of Lincoln University’s Gombe State campus 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 one year of operation, Lincoln 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 goes beyond personal recognition, representing 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 status.
Maiyaki described the occasion as a milestone where vision, knowledge diplomacy, and purposeful leadership converged to break barriers and expand access to quality education through digital delivery.
He noted that the honour comes 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 emphasised the shared commitment between 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 stated.
Dedicating the award to graduating students of Lincoln University, Maiyaki commended their confidence in the institution and praised educators advancing transnational education as a powerful tool for delivering quality learning.
He challenged Lincoln University to intensify advocacy for equitable, relevant, and robust transnational education, stressing that digital learning and TNE are no longer optional for Nigeria but essential for national development.
Maiyaki expressed optimism that the Gombe campus would produce not just graduates but global citizens and transformational leaders, pledging in his new role as an honorary graduand to champion partnerships, expand access, and deepen 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 continue to work towards ensuring that every Nigerian learner has a place in the future of education.