In recent news, Nigerian entertainment icons, Mr Macaroni and Frodd, were bestowed with the prestigious title of Doctorate holders from two esteemed universities. Mr Macaroni, famously known for his comedic skits and advocacy for human rights, received two honorary doctorates from Hill City University of Benin Republic and Precious Corner Stone University Ibadan. He was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the creative writing community as well as his significant impact on Nigerian society.
Frodd, a former housemate on the popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, was honored with a Doctorate from ESGT University of Benin Republic in the field of Business Management. The university bestowed the title upon him for his notable successes in the industry and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Both celebrities took to social media to express their gratitude for the recognition and praised the institutions for their commitment to academic excellence.
The concept of honorary degrees are meant to be symbolic gestures of appreciation for an individual’s contribution to their field and do not require any academic work or research, unlike traditional degrees. This raises the question of whether receiving one truly signifies expertise and knowledge in a particular subject. It is worth noting that many universities have also faced backlash for granting honorary degrees to controversial individuals.
That being said, it is not a criticism of either Mr Macaroni or Frodd, both of whom are immensely talented and have made significant contributions to their respective industries. It is evident that these newly minted doctors have proven with their talent that there’s more to the entertainment industry than just glitz and glamour. This recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a remarkable representation of the outstanding talent and skills Nigeria.
