By Abubakar Basiru - Teacher Mass Comm 200lvl
From an almajiri sleeping under bridges to becoming one of the most reputable and influential political musicians in Nigeria, Dauda Kahutu Rarara’s life journey is truly a story of resilience, reinvention, and cultural impact. His journey is one to inspire, and one that deserves recognition from academic institutions in Nigeria and abroad.
Yet, the mere suggestion of awarding Rarara an honorary doctorate has sparked heated debate among Nigerian students and academics alike. Many argue he is undeserving because he never earned a formal diploma, never sat in a university lecture hall, and built his legacy far from academic corridors. Critics even ridicule the idea with the Hausa phrase “za ayi wa boko fyade” which loosely translates to “education is being violated.”
Yet, from time immemorial, people have been recognized for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to society. For instance, in 1988, Alhaji Dr. Mamman Shata received an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in recognition of his immense contributions to national development and Hausa culture. Similarly, Nigerian artiste, Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, was honored with a Master of Arts in Music by Igbinedion University in 2016 for his contributions to music and youth development. Multiple reputable biographies confirm that he did not complete his tertiary education, having dropped out of IMT Enugu to pursue music. Peter “Mr. P” Okoye was also honored. According to a Punch report in June 2021, he received an honorary doctorate from ESCAE University in Benin Republic.
Internationally, the trend continue, universities have long lined up to honor chart-topping musicians with honorary degrees. As the nature of these ceremonial awards confirms, they do not require dissertations or examinations; instead, they acknowledge cultural impact and contributions. Though recipients cannot technically practice as “doctors,” the honor goes beyond titles, it affirms their societal influence. For example, in 1988, Michael Jackson received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Fisk University during the United Negro College Fund Awards. It recognized his outstanding contributions to music, culture, and humanitarian efforts.
In May 2022, Taylor Swift received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from New York University, where she also delivered the commencement speech at Yankee Stadium. For someone who never attended a traditional university, this moment symbolized the recognition of her influence as a cultural icon. Her storytelling and business acumen have inspired entire academic courses, cementing her place in academia. Likewise, in 2023, Usher was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music by Berklee College of Music, not just for his commercial success but also for his philanthropy and mentorship of young artists.
In 2025, the University of Cambridge awarded British rapper Stormzy an honorary doctorate in Law for his efforts in expanding opportunities for Black students. This was his second such honor, after receiving one from the University of Exeter in 2022 for his contributions to education philanthropy.
Why then should Rarara be an exception?
Dauda Kahutu Rarara should not be an exception. Coming from a small village barely identifiable on Nigeria’s map did not stop him from achieving greatness. He shines like a polished diamond, standing out as the most talented political musician in Nigeria, and indeed Africa. While critics question his bid to be recognized, we cannot overlook his enormous contributions to the academia and society. Today, students from various faculties conduct academic research on his political-praise songs as part of their undergraduate and postgraduate works. This proves his intellectual contribution; his songs are studied by professionals to fill gaps in knowledge, even though he never formally studied in classrooms.
Professor Aliyu Muhammadu Bunza, a renowned scholar of Hausa culture and oral literature at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, stated that the political singer truly deserves an honorary doctorate from Nigerian universities. He argued that Rarara has made remarkable contributions to Hausa oral poetry and music, especially by adapting traditional praise-singing to modern political communication. Bunza stressed that Rarara’s songs go beyond entertainment; they are forms of cultural documentation and social commentary that reach millions. Because of this impact, he urged Nigerian universities not to ignore Rarara’s influence. Instead, they should honor him formally, just as Mamman Shata and more were once honored for their cultural legacy. His argument stressed that Honorary degrees are not about ticking academic boxes. They are about acknowledging excellence, impact, and the power of human stories.
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