His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the renowned Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, North-West Nigeria, has recently received two prestigious awards in succession from Vanguard Newspaper and the Anambra State government.
The Director of Communications for the Sokoto Diocese, Fr. Pascal Salifu, announced that Vanguard Newspaper has awarded Matthew Hassan Kukah the “Prestigious Personality of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Award.”
According to him, this recognition highlights “a landmark recognition of integrity, courage and national service.”
In the statement dated 21 April 2026, Salifu further explained that “Widely respected across religious, political and civic spaces, Bishop Kukah has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most courageous and consistent voices for good governance, national unity and ethical leadership.
“As shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, he has combined pastoral responsibility with a profound engagement in the nation’s socio-political realities, often speaking with clarity and conviction on issues affecting the common good.”
Citing the Bishop’s huge contributions to democracy dialogue, the statement underlined that “Beyond his episcopal ministry, Bishop Kukah is the founder of the Kukah Center, a leading platform dedicated to fostering dialogue, promoting democracy and strengthening institutions in Nigeria.
“Through this initiative, he has contributed significantly to policy conversations, conflict resolution efforts and the nurturing of responsible leadership across generations.”
It also underscored that Kukah is known for “His voice, often described as both prophetic and unifying, has continued to challenge systems of injustice while inspiring hope for a better Nigeria.”
The organisers clarified that the award recognises the Bishop’s “distinguished contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development, his exemplary moral leadership and his tireless advocacy for justice, peace and good governance over the years.”
Advocatus Africa gathered that a formal award ceremony is being organised for April 24, 2026, at the iconic Eko Hotels and Suites.
It is expected that the epic event would “draw an array of eminent personalities, including government officials, religious leaders, diplomats and members of the civil society, all gathering to celebrate a man whose life has been deeply woven into the moral and democratic fabric of the nation.”
Fr. Salifu emphasised that “Bishop Kukah is also a prolific author and the founder of The Kukah Centre, where he has pioneered research-driven advocacy aimed at interfaith harmony and policy reform.”
He assured that “As Nigeria continues to navigate complex social and political challenges, this recognition of Bishop Kukah is a reminder of the enduring value of integrity, courage and principled leadership. It also affirms the vital role that faith leaders can play in shaping a just, peaceful and accountable society.”
Meanwhile, in a related development, the outspoken prelate also bagged another prestigious recognition in Anambra state.
A press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, Christian Aburime indicated that, “The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has appointed Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State.”
Credit: Vanguard.com
It noted that “The appointment of Bishop Kukah as the chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University is expected to provide leveraging of his global network to foster international partnerships, inspire ethical leadership in the University, and signal a commitment to producing well-rounded graduates.”
The statement dated April 22, 2026, provided a context and basis for the appointment, which ranged from Kukah’s dogged engagement with the local and international community as a public intellectual.
“Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah is an eminent Nigerian intellectual and cleric whose contributions integrate academic scholarship with pursuit of social justice in Nigeria.
“He attended St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos, Plateau State, where he studied Philosophy and Theology; the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma in religious studies; the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, where he got a bachelor of divinity; followed by a master’s degree in peace studies at the University of Bradford, and a Ph.D. from University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 1990.
“He also at certain times studied at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States.”
