Celebrated Nollywood actress Laide Bakare is set to add another prestigious accolade to her growing list of achievements as she receives an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG), USA. The conferment ceremony, scheduled for November 30th, 2024, is set to take place at the esteemed University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The accomplished actress and mother of three shared this momentous news with her followers and fans through her social media platforms, expressing profound gratitude for the recognition. The honor comes as part of the university’s Doctoral Fellow Investiture Ceremony, marking a significant moment in Bakare’s professional journey.
In her announcement, Bakare acknowledged the instrumental role played by His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Ojadah in nominating her for this distinguished honor. Her response to the nomination reflects both humility and appreciation for this academic recognition of her contributions to society and the entertainment industry.
The timing of this honor is particularly noteworthy as it follows another significant achievement in Bakare’s career earlier this year. In February 2024, she was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Entertainment, Art, Culture, and Tourism, marking her formal entry into the political sphere. This dual recognition in both academic and political realms underscores the multifaceted nature of her career and her growing influence beyond the entertainment industry.
This latest achievement represents more than just an individual honor; it symbolizes the increasing recognition of contributions made by entertainment industry professionals to society at large. The conferment of an honorary doctorate by an international institution highlights the global impact and reach of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and its key players.
Bakare’s journey from a prominent actress to a political appointee and now an honorary doctorate recipient showcases the evolving nature of celebrity influence in contemporary Nigerian society. Her transition into politics earlier this year, when she took on the role of Senior Special Assistant, demonstrated her commitment to public service and her desire to contribute to the development of arts and culture in Osun State.
The actress’s new political role, coupled with this academic honor, positions her uniquely at the intersection of entertainment, governance, and academia. In her political appointment announcement earlier this year, Bakare had expressed her commitment to serving the people of Osun State, viewing her position as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s cultural and entertainment sectors.
The American University of Peace and Governance’s recognition of Bakare through this honorary doctorate acknowledges not just her contributions to the entertainment industry but also her potential impact in governance and cultural development. This acknowledgment comes at a time when the role of entertainment professionals in shaping social and cultural narratives is increasingly being recognized globally.
For Bakare, who has maintained a successful career in Nollywood while taking on additional responsibilities in public service, this honorary doctorate serves as a testament to her versatility and impact across different sectors. Her journey represents the changing face of Nigerian entertainment, where artists are increasingly taking on roles that extend beyond their primary creative pursuits.
The ceremony at UNILAG is expected to draw attention from both the academic and entertainment communities, highlighting the growing intersection between these traditionally separate spheres. It also serves as an inspiration to young professionals in the entertainment industry, demonstrating that success can be achieved across multiple domains through dedication and continuous personal development.
As Laide Bakare prepares to add ‘Doctor’ to her growing list of titles, her story continues to inspire and challenge traditional boundaries between entertainment, politics, and academia. Her achievements in 2024, from her political appointment to this honorary doctorate, mark a significant chapter in her career and contribute to the broader narrative of Nigerian entertainment professionals making impacts across various sectors of society.
