London university confers honorary doctorate on Governor Mbah

The University of East London (UEL), United Kingdom, has conferred an honorary Doctor of Law degree on Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, in recognition of his leadership, academic excellence and contributions to business and public service.

Mbah received the Doctor of Law, honoris causa, on Thursday during the university’s graduation ceremony at its Docklands Campus in London.

Presenting the citation, Vice-Provost (Business) and Executive Dean, Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof. Fatima Ana-Diab, said Mbah demonstrated strong leadership as a student, serving as President of the Students’ Law Society and representing students on key university bodies.

She said Mbah graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2000 before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School and later obtaining a master’s degree in Maritime and Commercial Law from Lagos State University and an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain.

Ana-Diab also highlighted Mbah’s career as founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas and his previous service as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State, saying his experience in law, business and public administration had shaped his leadership as governor.

She said his administration’s focus on education, skills development, investment, innovation, infrastructure, healthcare and community development reflected his broader vision for economic and social progress.

In his acceptance speech, Mbah explained that his philosophy had always been driven by a willingness to challenge existing limitations. “One quality has always mattered to me: the willingness to disrupt. I have never been particularly interested in accepting the limits of my inherited circumstances,” he said.

The governor said education remained central to his administration, noting that 33 per cent of the state’s budget was allocated to education to fund schools, technology hubs and opportunities for young people, while thanking UEL for the honour and its contribution to his development.