Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Senate of Nasarawa State University, Keffi to suspend its planned honorary doctorate award to Tanzania’s President, Samia Hassan, citing alleged human rights violations under her administration.
In a statement obtained by Saturday PUNCH, Falana warned the institution that conferring such an honour could amount to endorsing “egregious” abuses.
NSUK had announced that President Hassan would be a guest of honour at its 25th anniversary ceremony scheduled for April 11, 2026, where she is to receive a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa).
Falana said, “President Hassan’s administration is committing egregious human rights violations including unlawful killings, torture, excessive use of force and enforced disappearances against the Tanzanian people.”
The senior advocate alleged that President Hassan’s government had been linked to unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and excessive use of force against citizens, including protesters challenging the credibility of the country’s 2025 elections.
He stressed that universities, as centres of knowledge and ethical leadership, must not appear indifferent to violations of fundamental rights such as life, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly.
The senior lawyer further stated that honorary degrees were symbolic endorsements of integrity and public service, noting that granting such recognition under the circumstances would undermine both the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations.
“Honorary degrees are not merely ceremonial; they are symbolic endorsements of values, integrity, and public service. The University must immediately suspend the award if it is not to be accused of tolerance, indifference or even complicity,” he added.
He warned that proceeding with the award could portray the university as complicit in a culture of impunity.
Falana also called on the National Universities Commission to investigate whether NSUK’s decision aligned with its February 2026 guidelines on honorary degrees.
According to him, the guidelines require strict due diligence, transparency, and the selection of individuals with proven integrity and contributions to society.
He stated that any award to President Hassan would be inconsistent with the commission’s provisions and urged the NUC to ensure accountability, insisting that the university must suspend the decision and demonstrate its commitment to justice, human dignity, and international standards.