Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Senate of Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) to urgently suspend its decision to confer an honorary doctorate on Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing what he described as serious and well-documented human rights violations under her administration.
NSUK had earlier announced that President Hassan would attend its 25th anniversary ceremony scheduled for April 11, 2026, as the guest of honour, during which she is expected to receive a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa).
In a statement issued on Friday by Falana and Falana Chambers and signed by Tayo Soyemi, Falana expressed strong concern over the university’s decision, arguing that honouring a sitting leader accused of rights abuses would contradict the ethical responsibilities of academic institutions.
He alleged that President Hassan’s administration has been linked to grave violations, including unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and the excessive use of force against citizens. According to him, security forces have reportedly cracked down on dissenting voices, particularly individuals and groups who questioned the credibility of Tanzania’s 2025 general elections.
Falana stressed that universities, as centres of knowledge and moral authority, must not appear indifferent to violations of fundamental rights such as the right to life, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly. He warned that awarding an honorary degree in such circumstances could be interpreted as endorsement or tolerance of alleged abuses.
“Honorary degrees are not merely ceremonial,” Falana said. “They represent symbolic recognition of values, integrity, and service to society. Granting such an award to a leader facing serious allegations risks damaging the credibility of the institution and undermining the principles it is expected to uphold.”
The senior advocate further argued that proceeding with the award could conflict with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions and its obligations under international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Falana also called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to intervene by reviewing NSUK’s decision in line with its February 2026 guidelines on the conferment of honorary degrees. The guidelines, he noted, require that such honours be reserved for individuals of proven integrity, outstanding achievement, and clear contributions to society.
He emphasised that universities are expected to conduct thorough due diligence, maintain transparency in their selection processes, and carefully assess any potential reputational risks before granting honorary awards.
According to Falana, any decision that falls short of these standards would be inconsistent with the NUC’s regulatory framework and could erode public trust in Nigeria’s university system.
He urged the commission to immediately investigate the matter and direct NSUK to suspend or reconsider the proposed conferment pending the outcome of its review.
Falana further warned that failure to act decisively could portray the institution as being indifferent to accountability and justice, adding that universities must stand with victims of alleged human rights violations rather than those accused of perpetrating them.
![[BREAKING NEWS]:Nigerians In Trouble As Leaked Documents Reveals Tinubu’s Agreement with Controversial Business Tycoon](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39gfKFg8aZ2Pq_eoxzYPY7vQoQB4vJQ5iXjbzlb028e9rhOqJn7LU834VyPOGJO6KMqyY25tdbE8_AbZYrvJ2A-MPe77GnAXXTxKlCpcHy3Xmrpk5voaOwmC_bUYUoWrh8i8Vya7_odsgKRhByqzF7mVi_H-AQTn3iV_Yo1GkZhLibfcuztuBuz3XE4xS/w680/IMG_9371.jpeg)
