By Ogochukwu Isioma
There has been a wave of mixed reactions following the announcement that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, recently obtained a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Leadership and Public Governance from the University of Abuja.
While supporters have congratulated the governor on the academic milestone, critics have questioned the timeline and credibility of the qualification, reviving earlier jibes that labeled him the “D7 Governor” during the political season.
However, in a strongly worded response circulating among government supporters, those close to the governor have dismissed the criticisms as “ignorance and propaganda,” insisting that the degree was earned through due process.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo enrolled in the programme well before contesting for the Senate in 2023, attended lectures, and completed all required examinations in line with university regulations. Supporters further pointed to photographic evidence shared by the University in 2022, showing the governor participating in academic activities alongside other students.
“Do they really think the University of Abuja would risk its reputation by awarding degrees without proper entry requirements?” the statement queried, arguing that the institution’s integrity should not be undermined by political narratives.
In a symbolic twist, supporters have also attempted to reclaim the “D7” label, reframing it as an acronym representing what they describe as the governor’s defining traits: Doer, Disciplined, Dedicated, Development-focused, Determined, Down-to-earth, and Dependable.
See the 2022 post below:
