Karl Toriola, the chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria, has been awarded honorary doctorate by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
OAU conferred the honorary doctorate on him and four others: Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, renowned academia and entrepreneur; Daere Afonya-Akobo, a leader in the oil and gas industry; and Dr Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, group chairman of Mutual Benefits Plc., for their exceptional contributions to humanity during its 48th Convocation Ceremony.
The event which concluded on Saturday, December 14, 2024, led by Professor Simeon Bamire, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, on a three-day convocation ceremony saw 7,368 students graduate. The honorees were recognised for their significant contributions to society, leveraging their talent, resources, and material support to uplift communities and advance progress in various fields.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu was celebrated as an astute politician and advocate for the underprivileged, particularly women and children.
Dr. Ogunbiyi, whose conglomerate employs over 5,000 people, was lauded for his leadership in corporate Nigeria and his contributions to job creation.
Professor Adegbulugbe and Daere Afonya-Akobo were similarly recognised for their trailblazing achievements in academia and the oil and gas sector, respectively.
Karl Toriola, now leading MTN Nigeria has made groundbreaking contributions to Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, steering the company to new heights of innovation and service delivery.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Bamire lauded the honorees for their exemplary achievements and their dedication to uplifting society.
“These individuals represent the ideals of excellence, service, and leadership that Obafemi Awolowo University strives to instil in its graduates,” he said.
The convocation reaffirmed OAU’s tradition of celebrating excellence and recognising individuals who exemplify its values of innovation and societal impact.
The honorary awards spotlight the honorees’ exceptional contributions and serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
