A Nigerian Kpenkaan, Honoured with Honorary Doctorate by US Versity
Nigeria
Crown University International, USA Recognizes BENIPA Boss and FoSIPAN Chair for Landmark Contributions to Economic Development and Public-Private Partnerships.
A Nigerian known as Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, a distinguished investment promotion and development expert, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration *(D.B.A) Honoris Causa* by Crown University International, Delaware, USA. The award was presented on Saturday, July 26, 2025, *at the Congregation for the Award of Honorary Doctorate Degrees* held at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
With over two decades of impact across sectors such as education, health, fintech, SME development, and corporate branding, Dr Kpenkaan has consistently championed reforms that foster inclusive growth, institutional capacity building, and sustainable development. He holds an MBA (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of the People, California, USA, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) as well as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC).
As the Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA) and Chairman of the Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN), Dr Kpenkaan has led several groundbreaking initiatives. Notably, he oversaw the signing of Benue State’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in nearly 50 years, the $250 million National Food City Complex in Ogyoma. This 30,000-hectare agro-industrial project is set to generate thousands of jobs and position Benue as a major food production and processing hub.
Beyond state-level success, Dr Kpenkaan’s leadership at FoSIPAN has driven investment promotion and ease-of-doing-business reforms across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. His strategic vision and coordinated approach have attracted development partners, boosted investor confidence, and strengthened subnational institutions.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Kpenkaan dedicated the honour to the people of Benue State and praised Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his visionary and reform-driven leadership.
“This honour is not about me; it is about the future we are building together,” he stated. “We are showing that strong institutions and smart policies can turn opportunities into jobs, industrialisation, and shared prosperity. Benue is open for business, and FoSIPAN is committed to making all our states investor-ready.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Kpenkaan described it as a humbling validation of over 20 years of dedicated service to nation-building, “I didn’t pursue this work for awards. But knowing that my efforts are seen and valued fuels my determination to keep going — to innovate, to lead, and to continue creating impact that improves lives.”
The event was attended by dignitaries from academia, the diplomatic corps, the private sector, and government, reinforcing the vital role of productivity and partnership in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
