Renowned human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has reacted to a recent controversy involving Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, after the minister described himself as a “professor in engineering” during a live television interview.
The incident occurred on Arise News, where broadcaster Rufai Oseni engaged Umahi in a discussion about his professional background and achievements. During the conversation, Umahi referred to himself as a “professor in engineering,” a statement that immediately caught Rufai’s attention. The host then interrupted to ask, “Since when?” — a question that seemed to catch the minister off guard. Umahi quickly clarified his words, saying, “I mean in practice,” suggesting he used the term informally to refer to his experience rather than an official academic title.
The exchange quickly became a trending topic on social media, with many Nigerians debating the appropriateness of using the title “professor” without formal academic conferment. Critics argued that the term carries significant academic weight and should be reserved for individuals who have been officially appointed as professors by recognized universities. Others, however, defended Umahi, saying his use of the term was metaphorical and reflected his decades of professional experience in construction and engineering.
Reacting to the episode, Professor Chidi Odinkalu took to his verified X account to share a satirical post. He uploaded a photo of Umahi in a graduation gown, captioned: “The first Construction Professor in the world at the University of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” referencing the minister’s ongoing supervision of the ambitious coastal highway project.
Odinkalu’s post, which ended with a mock congratulatory note — “Congratulations, @realdaveumahi!” — quickly went viral. Many Nigerians interpreted it as a witty jab at Umahi’s self-description, while others viewed it as a subtle critique of how some public officials misuse titles to elevate their status.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the integrity of public figures and the importance of accuracy in official representations. While the minister has not officially responded to Odinkalu’s post, the exchange continues to dominate social media discussions, highlighting Nigerians’ sensitivity to titles and accountability in public office. See, More, Here>>>>
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