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| Image : Facebook |
Businessman and cryptocurrency investor Linus Williams, popularly known as Blord, has announced a new milestone in his academic journey — he was honoured with a doctorate in science from a Nigerian university. On Friday, October 17, Blord posted photos and videos of the convocation ceremony on his backup Instagram account, after his main account had been temporarily deactivated. He wrote: “I was honoured today with a doctorate degree in science.”
In a separate post he revealed the twist behind the invitation: “They told me to come for an award, I never knew it was a doctorate degree for all my scholarship and contributions towards education and humanity, doctorate degree at 27? God bless the VC of Paul University,” Blord wrote. Among the social-media commentators, some congratulated him, while others were more sceptical. One user, @Akpacha Egbe Salami Ejiga, asked: “Where him go buy am? Nigerian education system is for the money bags!” Another, @Olusegun Michael Mofobi, opined: “Doctorate degree no even get value again.” Meanwhile @Epie Kevin pointed out a key detail: “This is an honorary award not a learned one. Just recognition for his support. Let’s be guided.”
The doctorate comes against the backdrop of Blord’s public feud with influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VDM. In recent weeks, VDM accused Blord’s fintech platform and gadget-business practices of shady dealings — alleging that Blord’s discount app collects sensitive data like BVN/NIN and facilitates money-laundering. In retaliation, Blord reportedly posted a private video of VDM on his Instagram story — a move that triggered Instagram’s action against his verified account, which was later deactivated.
While the doctorate award paints a picture of philanthropy and educational support, critics argue that the timing during a scorching online battle with VDM makes the recognition seem like part of a broader branding strategy. Blord, 27, is now declaring himself a doctorate-holder, but the question remains: does this honorary title change the narrative around his business empire and online controversies?
@Samkeyz Nwa Afikpo chimed in on that: “No be only 27 Lies.” And @Bigsolo wrote: “Is a lie he is 19 years old.” Even supporters of VDM weighed in: “We want become 4th arm of Government … We want clean gutter” wrote @New Benin Online Market, turning the event into another moment in the VDM-Blord spectacle.
Whether the doctorate will recalibrate public perception of Blord — who has faced past allegations of crypto-fraud and regulatory scrutiny — is yet to be seen. But with the doctorate news circulating, and the VDM saga continuing to blow up, the spotlight remains firmly on Nigeria’s influencer-business ecosystem and how credentials, branding and accountability collide.
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