From Lawmaker To Scholar: Hon Nyampa Earns PhD At Federal University Lokoja

By; KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna

In a moment brimming with pride and jubilation, Hon. Nyampa Dauda Zakaria, the dynamic lawmaker representing Madagali/Michika Federal Constituency, was conferred a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership and Strategic Studies at the Federal University Lokoja’s 9th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday.

The achievement, celebrated under the sunlit canopy of the university’s auditorium, marked a personal triumph for Zakaria and a beacon of inspiration for his constituents in Adamawa State.

What elevated the occasion to a spectacle of camaraderie and prestige was Zakaria’s cohort of distinguished classmates.

Among them were Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, and Hon. Desmond Elliot, the Nollywood icon turned lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Together, this trio of trailblazers, alongside other scholars, showcased a rare blend of public service and academic rigor, earning applause from an audience that included academics, dignitaries, and proud families.

“This is not just a degree; it’s a testament to the power of lifelong learning,” Zakaria said, clutching his certificate as he addressed a small crowd of well-wishers post-ceremony.

“Leadership isn’t static; it demands growth, reflection, and a heart for service. I dedicate this to the resilient people of Madagali and Michika, who inspire me daily.”

Zakaria’s journey to this milestone was no small feat. Balancing the demands of legislative duties with the rigors of doctoral research, he immersed himself in the study of leadership and strategic studies a field that resonates deeply with his role as a federal lawmaker.

Known for his vocal advocacy on security and development in his insurgency-ravaged constituency, Zakaria’s dissertation, which sources say explored adaptive leadership in crisis-prone regions, is already generating buzz among policy wonks.

The Federal University Lokoja, now a growing hub for leadership scholarship, lauded Zakaria and his cohort for their contributions to knowledge.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, in his convocation address, hailed the graduating class as “torchbearers who will shape Nigeria’s future with intellect and integrity.”

For Zakaria, sharing the stage with figures like Adeniyi, whose reforms have revitalized the Customs Service, and Elliot, a cultural force turned political bridge-builder, underscored the program’s prestige.

In Madagali and Michika, where communities still grapple with the scars of Boko Haram’s violence, the news sparked waves of celebration.

Zakaria’s academic ascent adds to his reputation as a leader who walks the talk. Since his election in 2019, he has championed infrastructure projects, youth empowerment, and peace-building initiatives in his constituency, often navigating the delicate balance of representing a region battered by insecurity.