Businessman and education advocate, Dr. Paul Odili has received an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, in recognition of his contributions to business, education, and national development.
The honorary degree was conferred during the university’s combined convocation ceremony on April 18, 2026. The institution honoured distinguished Nigerians whose work has advanced enterprise development, education, and public service. University officials said the award recognized Dr. Odili’s leadership, innovation, and sustained commitment to national development.
Speaking at the convocation, the Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the honorary degree recipients were selected based on their contributions to society and alignment with the university’s values.
“The conferment of honorary degrees is reserved for individuals whose achievements and service have made significant contributions to national development and reflect the ideals of this university,” Fawehinmi said.
Dr. Odili is the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University and the Chairman of Paulo Homes Limited. Through these roles he has built interests in higher education and real estate development, with a focus on expanding educational opportunities and promoting private-sector investment.
Reacting to the recognition, the Chief Executive Officer of Aikonic Properties and Homes, Ike Christian O., congratulated Dr. Odili, describing the honor as a reflection of years of dedication to business and education.
“Dr. Paul Odili has consistently demonstrated that business success can go hand in hand with investment in education and national development. This honour reflects years of dedication, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition. We hope his achievement continues to inspire responsible leadership across Nigeria’s private sector,” the CEO said.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Odili described the award as both a privilege and a responsibility, noting that it reinforced his commitment to serving society through enterprise and education.
“This recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a reminder that leadership should create opportunities for others. I dedicate this honour to everyone who believes education remains one of the strongest foundations for national development, and I will continue supporting initiatives that empower future generations,” he said.
Over the years, Dr. Odili has combined his business interests with investments in education through Margaret Lawrence University, while also overseeing Paulo Homes Limited’s activities in Nigeria’s property sector. His contributions span enterprise development, educational advancement, and community-focused initiatives that position him among business leaders with interests beyond commercial enterprise.
The recognition comes as Nigerian universities increasingly acknowledge individuals whose professional accomplishments have contributed to national development outside academia. The combined convocation also marked another milestone for Yakubu Gowon University as it celebrated graduates across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence.
For Aikonic Properties and Homes, the award highlights the growing importance of leadership that combines business success with investment in education and human capital development. The company said such recognition reinforces the role of the private sector in supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic and educational progress.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV