Prof. Abdul Kabir Olawale Ayinla Paramole to Deliver Guest Lecture as Nigerian Actors, Business Leader Receive Honorary Degrees
Estam University, Benin Republic, is set to hold its Annual Matriculation, Convocation and Conferment of Honorary Degrees on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The ceremony, scheduled to commence at 12 noon, is expected to bring together members of the academic community, distinguished personalities, invited guests and other stakeholders to celebrate academic achievements, recognise outstanding contributions to society and inspire the next generation of African leaders.
The event will also feature the annual diploma award ceremony, marking an important occasion for the institution as it celebrates academic progress and recognises individuals whose achievements have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Prof. Paramole to Deliver Guest Lecture
A major highlight of the ceremony will be the guest lecture to be delivered by Professor Abdul Kabir Olawale Ayinla Paramole, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Lagos State University, Nigeria.
Prof. Paramole will speak on the theme, “Raising Exceptional Leaders for a Changing World: Education, Innovation and the Future of Africa.”
The theme focuses on the importance of education, innovation and visionary leadership in preparing Africa to respond to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
His participation is expected to provide an intellectual perspective on the role of educational institutions in developing responsible leaders, promoting innovative thinking and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development.
The lecture will also provide an opportunity for students and other participants to reflect on the relationship between education, leadership and sustainable development across the continent.
Distinguished Personalities to Receive Honorary Degrees
The programme will feature the conferment of honorary degrees on selected personalities in recognition of their professional achievements and contributions to society.
Among the awardees announced on the event posters are Basorun Babafemi Branch, a Nigerian actor, and High Chief Olayemi Olufela Solade, also a Nigerian actor.
Basorun Babafemi Branch is scheduled to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (D.H.L., Honoris Causa), while High Chief Olayemi Olufela Solade is listed to receive an honorary Doctor of Art and Culture (D.A.C., Honoris Causa).
Another recipient is Oluwayomi Lanso (Yomi Fash-Lanso), a Nigerian actor, who is also scheduled to receive an honorary Doctor of Art and Culture degree.
Adedayo Idowu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Exxes Options Ltd., is listed among the recipients of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
The recognition of personalities from the entertainment and business sectors highlights the institution’s programme of honouring individuals whose careers and professional engagements extend beyond the traditional academic environment.
The honorary degrees are expected to form a significant part of the ceremony, bringing attention to the contributions of professionals in the arts, culture, business and other areas of public life.
Ooni of Ife’s Wife to Attend as Royal Guest
The ceremony will also feature the presence of Her Royal Majesty, Ambassador Dr Olori Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife and a prominent figure associated with the Yoruba traditional institution.
According to the program by the management, she will attend as the Royal Guest of the Day.
Her presence is expected to add cultural and traditional significance to the gathering, which combines academic recognition with the celebration of professional achievement and leadership.
Celebrating Education, Innovation and African Leadership
The choice of the theme, “Raising Exceptional Leaders for a Changing World: Education, Innovation and the Future of Africa,” places the ceremony within broader conversations about the future of higher education and the development of African societies.
As the continent responds to technological change, economic pressures and evolving social needs, universities and other higher institutions continue to play important roles in preparing young people for leadership, professional excellence and civic responsibility.
The event provides Estam University with an opportunity to celebrate its academic community while drawing attention to the contributions of distinguished personalities from different professional backgrounds.
Through its matriculation, convocation and honorary degree conferment, the institution is expected to bring together academic and professional communities in a ceremony that recognises achievement and encourages future aspirations.
Date, Venue and Contact Information
The Annual Matriculation, Convocation and Conferment of Honorary Degrees will hold as follows:
- Institution: Estam University, Benin Republic
- Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Time: 12 noon
- Venue: Palais des Congrès, Cotonou, Benin Republic
- Guest Speaker: Prof. Abdul Kabir Olawale Ayinla Paramole, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University
- Royal Guest of the Day: Her Royal Majesty, Ambassador Dr Olori Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi
- Theme: Raising Exceptional Leaders for a Changing World: Education, Innovation and the Future of Africa
As preparations continue for the October 29 gathering, the ceremony promises to be an important occasion for academic celebration, recognition of professional achievements and renewed reflection on the role of education and innovation in shaping Africa’s future.
