Gov Mbah Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of East London, Honored for Leadership

During the graduation ceremony at the Docklands Campus of the University of East London (UEL), Vice-Provost and Executive Dean, Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof Fatima Ana-Diab, presented the citation for Governor Peter Mbah. She highlighted his academic and leadership achievements as a student. She noted that he has successfully applied these skills as an entrepreneur and the governor of Enugu State, Nigeria.

"More than two decades ago, Peter Mbah walked these halls as a law student, developing the knowledge, determination and leadership that would take him from UEL to the Nigerian Bar, the world of business and ultimately to public office as Governor of Enugu State."

Prof Ana-Diab praised Mbah's leadership during his time at UEL. As President of the Students’ Law Society, he helped change the society into the University’s Most Productive Society of the Year. He also represented his fellow students on the Students’ Representative Council and School of Law Board. Mbah won UEL’s Mooting Competition and went on to represent the University at the International Negotiation Competition.

After graduating with his Bachelor of Laws in 2000, Mbah returned to Nigeria. He attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar. He did not stop there. He pursued a Master’s degree in Maritime and Commercial Law from Lagos State University. He also earned an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, completed executive education at Lagos Business School, and studied Strategy and Innovation at the University of Oxford.

Mbah built a successful career in law, entrepreneurship and public service. As the founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, he showed how ambition and innovation can change a company and aid economic growth. He served as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State.

In May 2023, Mbah took office as Governor of Enugu State. He brought his experience in law, business and public administration to lead millions of people, as noted by Prof Ana-Diab.

"At the heart of his approach is a belief in the transformative power of education. His administration has made significant investment in education and skills, seeking to move learning beyond traditional models and equip young people with the knowledge, competencies and confidence to participate in a changing global economy," the citation stated.

The university praised Mbah’s commitment to education. His belief that education is the cornerstone of human progress strongly resonates with the institution. "Peter’s journey from UEL law student to lawyer, entrepreneur and Governor demonstrates the possibilities that education can unlock and the responsibility that comes with using those opportunities to create change for others."

Mbah’s dedication goes beyond education. Through public service, business and philanthropy, he has promoted investment, innovation, infrastructure, healthcare and community development. He has combined the skills from his career to pursue a broader vision for economic and social growth.

"For our graduates today, his journey offers a powerful example of where a UEL education can lead. It reminds us that leadership is not defined simply by the positions we hold, but by what we choose to do with the knowledge, opportunities and influence entrusted to us," Ana-Diab concluded.

In his acceptance speech, Mbah expressed his strong belief in innovation, education, service and dreaming beyond one’s circumstances. "One quality has always mattered to me: the willingness to disrupt. I have never been particularly interested in accepting the limits of my inherited circumstances."

Mbah said imagination is not enough. "There must be purpose. For me, that purpose is service, because there will always be mornings when ambition alone will not get you out of bed; and moments when the road becomes difficult and the rewards seem far away. At those moments, it matters to have something that transcends self."

"Education enlarges our capacity to transform the world. I believe that deeply. What we are given must somehow enlarge the possibilities available to others. That is why, today, we invest 33 percent of our state budget in education. We are building schools, tech hubs and opportunities for young people to participate in an economy that is increasingly driven by knowledge, innovation and technology," he stated.

Mbah thanked his alma mater for the honor and its significant contributions to making him who he is today.