By Idris Auwal
Nile University of Nigeria awarded an honorary doctorate degree to Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, Chairman and CEO of AA Rano Group of Companies, at its 12th convocation ceremony.

Rano was recognized for his leadership and contributions to the petroleum sector. Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dilli Dogo, FNAmed, said, “These awards are not just acknowledgments but a reflection of the honorees’ remarkable service to the nation and their embodiment of excellence and integrity.”
Three Nigerians received honorary doctorate degrees, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was honored for his public service. Sir Dr. Emeka Chuka Offor, Executive Vice-Chairman of Chrome Group and founder of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, was recognized for his contributions to philanthropy and business.
The convocation also marked the graduation of over 1,800 students. Addressing them, Professor Dilli Dogo highlighted the importance of combining academic knowledge with skills such as creative thinking and problem-solving.
For Rano, the honorary degree acknowledges his impact in the oil and gas sector and his role in Nigeria’s economic development.