By Ngozi Nwankwo
Former Acting Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Universities Commission, NUC, Mr. Chris Maiyaki, has
challenged Lincoln University to intensify its advocacy for equitable, robust, and relevant Transnational Education, TNE stressing that digital learning and TNE are no longer optional for Nigeria but imperatives for national development.
Maiyaki, said this when the Lincoln University of Malaysia, conferred him with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management.
The conferment, which took place on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, during the university’s convocation ceremony, was in recognition of Maiyaki’s contributions to higher education development, policy innovation, and international academic collaboration.
The ceremony drew dignitaries, academics, policymakers, and a large Nigerian delegation, particularly from Gombe State, where a branch of the university was recently established.
In his acceptance speech, Maiyaki described the award as both humbling and symbolic, noting that it carried special significance coming from an institution widely regarded for innovation, creativity, and leadership in the global higher education space.
The former NUC boss traced Lincoln University’s evolution from its establishment as Lincoln College in 2002 to its transformation into a full-fledged university college in 2011, culminating in its emergence as a major player in Transnational Education, TNE.
He noted the landmark approval granted by the Nigerian government and the formal licensing by the NUC in 2025, which paved the way for the establishment of Lincoln University’s branch campus in Gombe State, the first practical TNE experiment of its kind in Nigeria.
“It is with pride and deep fulfilment that we are here as a huge contingent from Nigeria, and Gombe State in particular, to celebrate Lincoln University Gombe Campus. The story of Lincoln and Gombe has already begun, and from what we have seen, the future looks excellent,” Maiyaki said.
According to him, within barely one year of operation, Lincoln University has rapidly gained national attention for driving higher education through digital technology, co-creation, cutting-edge research, and innovative curricula.
He stressed that the honorary degree transcends personal recognition, representing a shared commitment to the internationalisation of higher education as a tool for liberation, access, and equity for Nigerians regardless of geography or socio-economic status.
Maiyaki described the occasion as a milestone where vision, knowledge diplomacy, and purposeful leadership converged to dismantle barriers and expand access to quality education through digital delivery.
He noted that the honour came at a time when global calls are intensifying for a reassessment of the mission and purpose of university education.
“I accept this honour on behalf of my colleagues at the National Universities Commission, policymakers, and all stakeholders who continue to champion innovative ideas in education,” he said.
He added that the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to advocate policies that promote the growth of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.
He emphasised the shared commitment uniting Nigeria and Malaysia, the NUC, Gombe State, and Lincoln University, describing education as the most transformative investment any nation can make.
“Our life choices, whether as individuals, families, or nations, will always gravitate around the investment we make in education and the exposure we give our citizens,” he said.
While dedicating the award to graduating students of Lincoln University, Maiyaki commended their confidence in the institution and praised educators and institutions advancing TNE as a powerful instrument for delivering quality education.
He described the Malaysian campus as a model of how mission, technology, pedagogy, and purpose can be effectively blended, while expressing optimism that the Gombe branch campus would not merely produce graduates but global citizens and transformational leaders.
Maiyaki pledged, in his new role as an eminent honorary graduand of Lincoln University, to champion partnerships, deepen access, and expand innovation in higher education.
“As I step into this new journey, I commit to bearing the flag of Lincoln University with pride,” he said, adding that he would not relent until every Nigerian learner is guaranteed a seat in the future education promises.