By Dr John Idriss Lahai
On the Honorary PhD degree of the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone H.E Fatima Jabbe Maada Bio (cc’ed: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio)
Many (over 100 people) have asked me to comment on the authenticity of the honorary degree of the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Here is my take (and always remember this about me: I, Dr John Idriss Lahai, am not a party pekin. I stand for the truth; I will always say the truth).
The awarding university (the American International University West Africa) is Authentic. I cannot comment on the process that led to the award of this honorary degree. I can only confirm here (and now) that the university is real and has a good glo-cal (global and local) standing. Put another way: the awarding university is accredited and has international recognition.
It is highly ranked — ranked higher than FBC and all other universities in Sierra Leone.
The Impact Rankings on Good health and well-being of students (for the year 2021), the American International University, West Africa is between: 401 and 600 in the world. Impact Rankings for Quality education 2021 between 401-600th. The Impact Rankings on Gender equality (in terms of the hiring and retention of staff/lecturers and students across the gender divide) they are ranked (for the year 2021) at 601 in the world— FBC and other universities in Sierra Leone are in the region of 9000-10,000 positions in the world (with 1-100 being the best and 9000-10,000 being the worst). Read more about this university in the times higher education. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/american-international-university-west-africa
The First Lady’s honorary degree is a honourable/honorary mention. It is NOT a substantive PhD. That said, inasmuch as this honorary PhD degree is awarded by a legitimate/accredited university, as per the rules governing honorary degrees, she should not use the title of a Dr — this is what I hope for: 👉🏿 that our First Lady will lead by example.
