Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, has conferred an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Church Administration and Management on Dr Olukunle Ayobami Abimbola.
The award was presented during a solemn and well-attended ceremony held on Friday, 15 May 2026, at the Christ-Centered School of Theology in Aba.
The conferment was carried out through the university’s academic authority and its partnership with the affiliate institution, Christ-Centered School of Theology, which hosted the event. The ceremony drew together a wide cross-section of participants, including scholars, clergy, and dignitaries from across Nigeria.
In his citation, Distinguished Professor Joe T. A. Gambo commended Dr Abimbola for his “exceptional contributions to administration, ecclesiastical leadership, and academics,” highlighting his long-standing service in both government and church institutions.
The honorary degree was formally conferred by Revd (Prof.) H. U. Richard, who described the award as a recognition of Dr Abimbola’s dedication to leadership excellence, policy development, and church administration.
Dr Abimbola holds a postgraduate degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
He also earned a Diploma in Cooperative Studies alongside Doctorates in Theology and Divinity. His research focuses on African Instituted Churches History, Spiritual Churches History, and Tenets & Doctrines. He currently serves as a Doctoral Research Fellow at the Corporate Institute of Strategic Research (CISR) Global and is widely recognised for his active role in church administration and ecumenical engagement.
This includes his prominent work within the Celica Church of Christ and various international Christian bodies, such as the Nairobi-based All Africa Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland.
In addition to Dr Abimbola’s honorary degree, Oral Roberts University recognised several other distinguished academics and candidates during the ceremony.
Four scholars were elevated to the rank of Professor, two candidates received their PhDs, four were conferred with Doctorates in Divinity, and a further two candidates received Doctorates in Public Administration and Peace & Conflict Management.
The conferment marks yet another significant milestone in Dr Abimbola’s career, underscoring the breadth of his impact across public service, academia, and religious institutions. Through this honour,
Oral Roberts University affirmed his leadership, scholarly contributions, and enduring commitment to the development of sound administration and effective ecclesiastical practice.