Saturday 13th February 2010 was a turning point in the history of international relations and diplomacy in the history of Borno. It was on that day that His Royal Highness the Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi was awarded Honorary Degree of Dr. of Philosophy in Public Administration by the Houdegbe North American University of Benin, Cotonou.
Presenting the award, the Chancellor and President of Council, Professor Octave Cossi Houdegbe said the honour has the double significance of respect to traditional institutions and recognition of the personal qualities of the Shehu as promoter of peace and progress. In his accepting acceptance speech, the Shehu said he was extremely humbled to see himself fully robed in his beautiful academic regalia as a Doctor of letters of the university, which he described as ‘great centre of learning.’’ The Shehu said learning is a divine commandment, stressing that “IQRA” or “read” was the very first statement revealed to the Prophet of Islam (Muhammad SAW), adding that Islam flourished on the firm foundation of scholarship and learning. The Shehu also pointed out that Kanem-Borno dynasty, formed by his forebears and has been existing for one thousand two hundred years was established on the same foundation of knowledge and scholarship.
Commenting on the influence of Kanem-Borno kingdom on other areas, the Shehu said the kingdom today exists as the first and only of its kind between the Rivers of Nile and Niger. The Shehu further said far back as the 7th century, Borno rulers had built hostels at Al-Azhar University Cairo solely for Borno students, adding that Borno contributed immensely to the enlightenment of many areas both within and outside Nigeria. Citing examples, the Shehu explained that Borno scholars had left indelible marks in Nupe and Egba lands as well as countries like Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Libya, Senegal and Central African Republic.
The Shehu said he was highly delighted to be conferred with this prestigious honour and that the gesture can be seen as dedication to Borno and her vibrant, dynamic and highly enlightened peace loving people. His Royal Highness stressed the role of Borno as the home of peace, and bedrock of scholarship. He said ‘’we settle our disputes through dialogue, diplomacy and superior judgements. We hate violence; hence terrorism is totally alien to our culture.’’ He further added that as the Deputy President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Nigeria, he believed that further enlightenment of the citizenry through educational advancement was the only solution to the overall social, economic and political development of our country.
The Shehu also said that his Palace maintains a strong relationship with the academia, citing example with his entourage to Cotonou which included Professor Muhammad Nur Alkali, former Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri and former Director General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and former Chairman Presidential Advisory Council. Also present was Professor Abubakar Mustapha mni, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.
From the Shehu’s address obtained from Borno Emirate Council, KASA observed that the ceremony was attended by several other scholars and seasoned civil servants, notable among whom are Alhaji (Dr.) Bulama Mali Gubio mni, former Head of Civil Service of Borno State, Alhaji Ali Abacha, National President of All Pensioners Association of Nigeria, and traditional rulers. Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included the Emir of Ningi, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Yunusa Muhammadu Danyaya OON, the Mai Kanuribe of Lagos, the Mai Kanuribe of Ibadan, the Mai Kanuribe of Cotonou and many Kanuri people in the Diaspora.
The Shehu concluded his address by extending the gratitude of the Borno Emirate to the Nigerian Ambassador in Benin and the entire Embassy staff for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage. He also said he felt greatly obliged to the university community and the government and the good people of Benin Republic for the historic gesture. The Shehu also expressed gratitude to all those who joined his entourage to Cotonou and those who sent representatives.
As a mark of gratitude the Shehu presented the university the sum of three (3) million CFA, 5 sets of desktop computers, and collection of books on Borno on language, history and culture of Borno.
The Shehu ended his address with prayers to God to bless Nigeria and Cotonou and strengthen the partnership between the two countries and their educational institutions.

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