The Nnamdi Azikiwe University [UNIZIK], Awka, Anambra State on Thursday deferred the award of a doctorate degree earlier approved for the deposed Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Esimone, announced the deferment of the award during the 14th convocation ceremonies of the University.

Esimone said the deferment was due to prevailing circumstances

The VC said the award would be conferred on Sanusi in future convocation ceremonies of the University.

He, however, said the Senate of the University duly approved the award to the former Emir.

Sanusi was to be honoured with an honorary doctorate degree in Risk management.

Muhammadu Sanusi II was the 14th Emir of Kano from the Fulani Sullubawa clan. He ascended the throne in 2014, following the death of his great uncle Ado Bayero I.

On 9th March 2020, he was deposed by the Governor of Kano Abdullahi Ganduje and banished in Nasarawa.

Two distinguished Nigerians honoured on the occasion were Chief Innocent Chukwuma who is the chairman of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, Nnewi, and Chief Daniel Chukwudolue of the Dozie Oil.

The VC restated that the convocation marked his administration’s resolve to continue with the tradition established during the immediate past administration of the University to make convocation part of academic culture and annual event.

The 14th convocation was for the 2018/2019 academic year which witnessed the conferment of 7650 first degrees;1954 postgraduate diploma, 610 Master degrees and 339 PhD degrees.

The VC said his vision for the University was to make Nnamdi Azikiwe University the best University in Nigeria, among the 10 best Universities in Africa and amongst the best 200 universities in the world