society
IGNORANCE & EGO IN MISUNDERSTANDING OF NAMES & TITLES IN AFRICA
IGNORANCE & EGO IN MISUNDERSTANDING OF NAMES & TITLES IN AFRICA
I have listened to many people in Nigeria who when you ask them to tell you their name; you hear words like” My Name is Dr. XYZ, My name is Prof. XZY., My name is Chief XYZ.
1. In fact, I recall some years ago, someone was introduced, and the person got so angry that Otunba was omitted in his name.
2. Let me correct this wrong notion that Profession is not a name and title is not a name.
3. You hear people say I am surveyor XYZ…No…it is wrong. It should be for example my name is Gbenga Adeoye., I am a Land or Estate Surveyor & Valuer. ( The author is not a surveyor, please )
4. This desire for title is a sign of emptiness, and it has entered the church too.
5. Some want to be addressed as Evangelist XYZ..even young boys singing here and there now add prefix of evangelist this and that …
6. This is what inferiority complex and ego is doing to us in Africa.
7. In US, I recall, even we executive students that came to Harvard for a short time address our lecturers by first name. We call them ..Mike, John…etc. You hear words like
“Join me as I welcome John Bedford.
John is a Professor of Business Management.”
8. Great men like Bro Gbile Akanni are still brothers .
9. Small boys are now Apostles because despite no spiritual result to show ; they just want to copy some Apostles that have result to show for their labour.
10. Some people who are now called Apostles and Bishops, even in their hearts, knows they do not carry such title in their work with God. It is fake, until it becomes real.
11. I know a billionaire who cautions somebody to address him by his name and not add Alhaji to it.
12. My concern rose when I watched the Senate screening of a nominee who got angry that his name is Professor XYZ, and they have been addressing him as Mr.XYZ.
13. This is a very serious problem in Nigeria and Africa.
14. There is a level you will get to that your title become attached to your name when people want to mention your name. That is a level that Prof. Wole Soyinka had gotten to many years ago.
15. The likes of Pastor E.A Adeboye and Pastor Kumuyi are at that level too where anyone who wants to mention their names finds it uncomfortable, not to add that prefix.
16. I do hear people ignorantly say … point of correction . My name is not Mr XYZ…My name is Dr. XYZ or Prof. XYZ…or Engr. XYZ..or Chief or Otunba XYZ.
17. The point of correction is to you because you do not know the difference between what a name is or what a Prefix or title is.
18. Here is the way to answer question like tell us your name and who you are or brief about yourself, I am Olugbenga Adeyemi ADEOYE.
I am from Ogun State.
I am a Professor of Accounting or Law or Medicine at XYZ University.( hypothetical example)
19. As a matter of fact, if the questions end at your name.
You just say I am Gbenga Adeoye.
20. This misconception was properly addressed by Adams Oshiomole that Professor is not part of your name during Senate committee screening of a nominated INEC commissioner. (Although I wish he spoke more about it)
21. I hear people say :
I am Senator XYZ .That is very wrong.!!!
Rather, you will say I am Olugbenga Adeyemi Adeoye ; senator representing XYZ Constituency of XYZ state.
22. The honour of prefix attachment to your name is better done by people, not you adding it when people ask for your name.
23. Please, let no one get me wrong …I am an advocate of the fact that if you truly work for your PhD . Put it on your card, even if you have written Dr. XYZ …I argued that “PhD” showing on your card is what differentiate you from the bastardized honorary doctorate degrees around Nigeria where everybody now call themselves Dr. XYZ but if you add PhD in front. Then we would know your Doctorate is as a result of hard work of research .
24. I do know of course that, there are people who didn’t go for proper study or research and all of a sudden, you just hear them say they now have PhD…
25. You only need to ask them few questions to know they are fake PhD holders, such as:
i. What was your research based on?
ii. Who supervised your thesis.?
iii. Who was your external examiner?
iv. Who was your internal examiner?
v. What was the addition you added to knowledge?
vi. When was your doctorate declared?
vii. How was your Pre – Field ?
viii. How was your Post-Field?
ix. How was your Oral?
26. If you ask someone who bought a PhD or holding a fake PhD any of the above questions, you will see them confused because they never studied nor carried out any research to get it.
27. It is very worrisome that in various departments of our institutions of higher learning in Africa; there are people holding fake certificates and yet working as lecturers. How then do you want to end examination malpractice?
28. These are the kind of lecturers that demand money from students.
29. I understand we even have such people in Secondary Schools as teachers now.!!!
Teachers who sell grades to students in high schools. Men and women without conscience. Those who cannot give them money will get low scores.
It is better not to have enough teachers or lecturers than have people who compromise academic standards.
No wonder, most high school students see cheating in WAEC or NECO or JAMB exams as a way because evil teachers have made them to believe you must buy grades.
CONCLUSION
Title is not a name and let us know that Profession is also not a name.
While we give honour to whom honour is due, we must find a way to flush out fake degree holders from our system .
We must focus on having men with integrity and truthfulness as teachers so that we can produce graduates with character and not just mere certificate with too many dishonest and wild people around .
The Aurthor, Gbenga Adeoye is a Lawyer and Chartered Accountant with a PhD in Management Accounting and an LLM in International Business Law
He can be reached via email at
[email protected]
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor
……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”
The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.
The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.
Testimonies of God’s Power
One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.
Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.
These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.
God Works by Principle, Not Gossip
In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.
The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.
Join the Movement
Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:
Sunday Service: 7:00 AM
Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM
Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM
Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.
Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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