When Laide Bakare, Nollywood actress was announced as the recipient of a honorary doctorate in Arts & Humanities, social media buzzed for days. The ceremony took place in December 2024, and the accolade was conferred by the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG) in the United States. Bakare, a mother of three, shared the news on Instagram, writing that she could now be addressed as “Hon. (Dr.) Laide Bakare.” The honor recognizes her work at the crossroads of entertainment, governance, and community service.
Background and Significance
Bakare’s career spans over a decade, featuring leading roles in blockbuster Nollywood titles such as “The Orchard” and “Heart of Lagos.” Beyond the screen, she’s known for advocacy campaigns that promote women’s empowerment and good governance in Nigeria. This blend of artistic influence and civic engagement made her a fitting candidate for an honorary doctorate ceremonyWashington, D.C. organized by AUPG.
The university, founded in 2015, focuses on peace studies, conflict resolution, and governance education. Its Supreme Council is chaired by Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, Chairman of the Supreme Council. Ojadah, a veteran diplomat with postings across Africa and Europe, has been instrumental in forging partnerships between the U.S. and African institutions.
Details of the Honorary Doctorate
The degree awarded is a Doctor of Arts & Humanities (Honoris Causa). While it does not replace a traditional Ph.D., the honor carries weight in academic and diplomatic circles, signalling that the recipient’s contributions align with the university’s mission of peace and governance.
- Conferral date: 8 December 2024
- Venue: AUPG’s campus in Washington, D.C.
- Presenter: Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Ojadah
- Key theme of the ceremony: “Arts as Catalysts for Governance and Social Change”
During the event, Bakare wore a flowing navy gown, complete with a gold-embroidered seal of the university. She stood beside a banner featuring the AUPG logo and the flag of Nigeria, a visual reminder of the cross‑continental ties the award celebrates.
Reactions from Key Figures
In her Instagram post, Bakare thanked Ojadah for “nominating me for the coveted award.” She also offered a heartfelt dedication to His Excellency, Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Governor of Osun State. Bakare called the governor her “principal, father, and mentor,” praising his “unwavering support and passion for the growth & development of Osun State.”
Governor Adeleke responded via a tweet, noting that Bakare’s achievement “shines a spotlight on the creative talent emerging from Osun and Nigeria at large.” He added that the governor’s office would continue to support artists who use their platforms for nation‑building.
Ambassador Ojadah posted a short video of the ceremony on the university’s official YouTube channel, emphasizing that Bakare’s “story illustrates how the arts can inform policy, inspire peace, and empower citizens.” He hinted that AUPG plans to collaborate with Nigerian film schools on a short‑course series later next year.
Impact on Entertainment and Governance
For the Nigerian film industry, this honor marks a rare recognition from a U.S. academic institution. It could open doors for more cross‑border scholarships, joint research projects, and co‑productions between Hollywood and Nollywood.
Moreover, Bakare’s visible alignment with governance themes may encourage other entertainers to engage with policy issues. In recent years, several Nigerian musicians have campaigned for electoral reforms; now an actress joins the conversation with a formal academic commendation.
Industry analysts note that such accolades can boost an actor’s marketability, leading to higher‑budget roles and endorsement deals. In fact, Bakare’s agent reported a 30 % increase in brand‑collaboration inquiries within two weeks of the announcement.
Looking Ahead
Bakare hinted at future projects that blend storytelling with social impact. She mentioned an upcoming documentary series focused on youth leadership in rural Nigeria, slated for release in early 2025.
At the same time, AUPG is planning a “Global Arts & Governance Forum” for the summer of 2025, with Bakare slated as a keynote speaker. The forum aims to bring together filmmakers, scholars, and policymakers to discuss how creative media can shape peacebuilding efforts.
Overall, the ceremony not only celebrates a personal milestone for Bakare but also illustrates a growing trend: the intersection of entertainment, academia, and public policy becoming a fertile ground for collaborative change.
Key Facts
- Recipient: Laide Bakare – Nollywood actress and mother of three
- Awarding body: American University of Peace and Governance (USA)
- Degree: Doctor of Arts & Humanities (Honoris Causa)
- Date: 8 December 2024
- Key supporters: Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, Governor Ademola Adeleke
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an honorary doctorate mean for Laide Bakare’s career?
The honor signals academic recognition of her influence beyond acting, potentially leading to speaking engagements, higher‑profile film roles, and partnership opportunities with educational institutions worldwide.
Who nominated Bakare for the award?
The nomination was championed by Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, Chairman of AUPG’s Supreme Council, who highlighted her contributions to governance and humanitarian causes.
Why did Bakare thank Governor Ademola Adeleke specifically?
She described him as her “principal, father, and mentor,” crediting his support for initiatives that foster development in Osun State and his broader vision for nation‑building across Nigeria.
What is the mission of the American University of Peace and Governance?
Founded in 2015, AUPG focuses on peace studies, conflict resolution, and governance education, aiming to equip leaders worldwide with tools for sustainable development and social cohesion.
Will this award lead to more collaborations between Nollywood and US institutions?
Experts say the visibility of Bakare’s honor could encourage joint film‑education programs, co‑productions, and research initiatives that bridge creative industries across the Atlantic.
10 Comments
Sarah Graham
October 6, 2025 AT 21:31 PMWow, that’s a huge step for Laide Bakare and for Nollywood as a whole.
It’s wonderful to see the arts being recognized alongside governance.
I think this kind of bridge can inspire more creators to get involved in public discourse.
Congrats to everyone who made this happen.
Jauregui Genoveva
October 8, 2025 AT 05:20 AMI guess a doctorate can’t fix bad movies 🙄😂
Quinten Squires
October 9, 2025 AT 15:13 PMLaide Bakare receiving an honorary doctorate is a clear indicator that the entertainment sector is gaining academic legitimacy.
It shows that the boundaries between creative work and scholarly inquiry are becoming increasingly porous.
The American University of Peace and Governance has a history of awarding such honors to individuals who influence public policy through cultural channels.
By highlighting Bakare’s contributions to women’s empowerment and good governance, the university underscores the political weight of narrative media.
Honorary degrees do not replace rigorous research but they do provide a platform for public figures to engage with scholars.
This can lead to collaborative projects that blend film production with peace studies curricula.
For students in both Nigeria and the United States, seeing a Nollywood star on a university podium can broaden their perception of viable career paths.
The ceremony’s theme, “Arts as Catalysts for Governance and Social Change,” encapsulates a growing academic trend.
Researchers are now publishing papers on how storytelling influences voter behavior and community resilience.
Film festivals are beginning to include panels on policy impact, a development that aligns with Bakare’s new role.
Moreover, the visibility of this honor may encourage funding agencies to allocate resources toward cross‑disciplinary initiatives.
The 30 % surge in brand‑collaboration inquiries reported by her agent is a tangible market response.
It also signals to advertisers that audiences value socially conscious content.
In the long run, such recognition could pave the way for more formal academic partnerships between Nollywood studios and U.S. universities.
Ultimately, Laide Bakare’s doctorate is more than a personal accolade; it is a milestone for cultural diplomacy and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Tyler Manning
October 11, 2025 AT 02:46 AMWhile it is admirable that an American institution honors a foreign actress, let us not forget that the United States remains the epicenter of true academic excellence.
Such awards should prioritize citizens who contribute directly to national interests.
james patel
October 12, 2025 AT 19:03 PMThe conferment aligns with the university’s strategic agenda of leveraging cultural capital as a soft power instrument.
By integrating a high‑profile Nollywood figure, AUPG amplifies its outreach metrics while fostering transnational governance dialogues.
This synergy is likely to enhance stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors.
Scarlett Mirage
October 14, 2025 AT 05:46 AMOne might argue, with a dash of poetic irony, that the conferral of a doctorate upon an actress is a profound testament to the convergence of epistemology and aesthetics, a symbiosis that transcends conventional academic boundaries, and indeed, invites us to reconsider the very ontology of scholarly merit; therefore, let us celebrate this moment as both a cultural renaissance and a philosophical provocation.
Ian Sepp
October 15, 2025 AT 19:16 PMThe appointment of Laite Bakare as an honorary doctorate recipient underscores the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
It also reflects an institutional acknowledgment of the role that arts play in shaping public policy.
Lois Parker
October 17, 2025 AT 08:46 AMCool move, but does it really change anything for regular folks?
Lerato Mamaila
October 18, 2025 AT 23:40 PMFrom a South African perspective, this honor beautifully illustrates the power of cultural exchange; it bridges continents, celebrates African storytelling, and reinforces the idea that art can serve as a diplomatic conduit-truly inspiring!
Dennis Lohmann
October 20, 2025 AT 13:10 PMGreat point, James 😊-collaboration like this can really open doors for emerging creators.