The Digest:
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), is set to confer an honorary doctorate on Tanzania's President Samia Hassan at its April 11 convocation ceremony, despite documented allegations of a violent crackdown on post-election protesters. CNN and Human Rights Watch reports documented security forces using live ammunition on demonstrators, with bodies piled in morgues and alleged mass graves. President Hassan has defended the crackdown, saying protests were "violence with malicious intentions." The National Universities Commission had recently warned against "indiscriminate conferment" of honorary degrees.
Key Points:
- The decision has sparked criticism from Nigerians on social media.
- NUC guidelines warn against honorary degrees that undermine academic integrity.
- Tanzania's 2025 election saw opposition leaders barred from contesting.
- Critics say honouring Hassan legitimises alleged human rights abuses.
- The university has not responded to requests for clarification.
