The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration to the GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu.
Speaking during the 50th convocation ceremony of the university held last Saturday in Nsukka, the vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Charles Igwe said Onyeagwu was recognised for his immense achievements as the GMD/CEO of the bank as well as his contributions to the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria and across the African continent.
He also stated that the bank chief had distinguished himself in his career and service to humanity, hence the conferment of the honorary degree.
In his acceptance speech, Onyeagwu expressed his gratitude to the UNN authorities for finding him a worthy recipient of the award considering the rigorous process of selection of awardees by the institution.
“For me to have been considered and to have passed through the meticulous selection process makes it the more dignifying because I have no connection with the University,” he remarked.
He said the award represents a validation of the outstanding corporate governance, ethical leadership, and overall outstanding performance of the bank.
Onyeagwu dedicated the award to the board and management of Zenith, especially the founder and chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, who, according to him, remains a mentor, a leader and a source of inspiration to everyone at the bank and beyond; the staff, for being the shoulder and proverbial base of the pyramid upon which his achievements and success as CEO of the financial institution in Nigeria rests; the bank’s customers for their unflinching loyalty to the brand and his family for their unceasing love and support.
Onyeagwu is an alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, the University of Oxford, England, Salford Business School, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom, Delta State University, Abraka, Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School of Columbia University, and the Harvard Business School of Harvard University, USA.
He is also a fellow, Institute of the Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Institute of Credit Administrators (ICA) and senior associate member, Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (RIMAN).
Onyeagwu is the chairman of the body of Banks’ Chief Executive Officers, Nigeria and Chairman of Zenith Pensions Custodian Limited and Zenith Nominees Limited.
He also serves on the Board of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, FMDQ Holdings Plc and Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
Other honourees at the event were the former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, chairman of Hobark International Limited, Dr. Obiora Fubara and a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Odili, who received honorary doctorate degrees in public administration, business administration, and law respectively.
