Content creator, Mr Macaroni is the latest Nigerian entertainer to receive an honorary degree. The comic actor joins a long list of colleagues who’ve been recognised by academic institutions around the world for making strides in their careers.
Honorary degrees are academic recognitions given to individuals who’ve made exceptional contributions to society and their respective fields. Recipients don’t have to spend time in universities to receive them.
Let’s check out the Nigerian celebs who’ve been honoured so far, some even more than once.
Mr Macaroni
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, Mr Macaroni was awarded an honorary Doctor of Creative Writing degree by the Precious Cornerstone University in Ibadan, Oyo State. He received another honorary degree on the same day, from Hillcity University, Benin Republic — a Doctor of Arts degree.
Tiwa Savage
On July 12, 2022, African Bag Gyal, Tiwa Savage, received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from her alma mater, the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.
In her acceptance speech at the institution’s congregation ceremonies at Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals, Tiwa told graduating students: “My prayer is that you one day will stand like this, addressing students because you too have gone out into the world… and you never gave up.”
Pete Edochie
Respected thespian, Pete Edochie, was awarded a Doctorate in Literature and a Doctorate in Arts by the ISTM University in Togo on September 4, 2023. Officials of the institution presented the awards to Edochie at his residence in Nigeria. According to an ISTM rep, he was awarded: “For all the work he has been doing, and pioneering everything that all the younger ones are copying.”
Adesua Etomi
Adesua Etomi-Wellington bagged an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from her alma mater, University of Wolverhampton, on September 6, 2022, for her immense contribution to arts and culture.
“I was taught that talent is great but you need to be hard working to achieve. This award is very humbling for me and I hope that it inspires prospective and current students to pursue careers in the creative industries,” she said while accepting the award.
Nancy Isime
Media personality, Nancy Isime, was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Arts and Philosophy by Prowess University, Delaware, USA, on April 29, 2023. She also received the Leadtime Africa Leadership Prize for Quality Service Delivery and Professionalism from the university on the same day.
In an Instagram post, she wrote: “I pray that God gives us the strength and wisdom to continually excel and be good examples in our respective fields and careers. To many more recognitions.”
Omotola Jalade
Iconic actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, was awarded an honorary degree by Igbinedion University on November 30, 2019. The actress was recognised for her contributions to “human development and progress at national and international levels”.
Obi Cubana
The nightlife entrepreneur received an honorary degree from the Enugu State University on November 26, 2022. He was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration degree.
Tacha
The reality star and radio host was conferred with an honorary degree by Prowess University in Delaware, US, on July 29, 2023. She was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
“It’s such an honour to receive this honorary DOCTORATE. This is particularly special. A huge thank you to Titans and My Team for all your love & support over the years. We’ve got lots more work to do!!! Dr Tacha,” she wrote in an X post.
