Ex-President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan made a shocking revelation recently: “Let me make it clear that I was not persuaded to concede defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari by anyone within or outside the country. I know it was the right thing to do. My mantra: ‘my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,’ is my vow. It was not just a political slogan.”

“One of the reasons I convened the 2014 National Conference was to come up with a polity devoid of tension and crisis. A polity that will bring unity to this country. A polity that will not divide us along tribal, ethnic or religious lines.”

“I believe in a peaceful Nigeria and since my award today is based on my commitment to peace, I have a simple message to my fellow graduands and, indeed, the entire student body. For the young men and women that are receiving their degrees and certificates in this convocation, we are handing over the baton of leadership to you. You must unite and embrace peace for us to have the Nigeria of our dreams.”

“During my service as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I had many invitations from national and international institutions to be honoured, but I declined because I believe one is better honoured after service. The only honorary doctorate award I accepted in the country was from my alma mater, the University of Port Harcourt, when I was a Vice President.”

“By imparting knowledge through this institution, you are saving lives and advancing the course of education in Nigeria. I was mindful of this duty during my time in office, which is why my administration made it a practice to give education the highest sectoral allocation in the federal budgets between 2011 and 2015.”

“It was also for this reason that we made sure that we established 12 federal universities in the 12 states that had none. Incidentally, nine of such states are right here in northern Nigeria.”