Honorary degrees are becoming more popular among Nigerian musicians.Universities provide honorary degrees, particularly to well-known people and celebrities, to acknowledge their dedication, hard work, and lifetime accomplishment. The majority of beneficiaries do not have to deal with all the hassles or stress associated with enrolling in an academic doctorate degree programme and obtaining a doctor of philosophy.
Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom earlier in 2022. Tiwa Savage was really proud of herself as she not only accepted her degree but also gave a very moving speech.
On its page, the university posted images and offered her its congratulations for the accomplishment. The stunning mother of one expressed her utmost excitement at receiving the honourary degree.
In June 2021, Peter Okoye, of the music group, P-Square, was awarded an honourary doctorate degree in recognition of his support for the youths in the entertainment industry. The degree was given to him in honour of his contributions to music and dance.
The award was from Escae-Benin University located in the Benin Republic.
Innocent Ujah Idibia, also known as 2Baba, might come as a surprise on this list as he doesn’t hold a first degree. However, he is a master of arts in music graduate.
Although he enrolled at the Institute of Management & Technology (IMT) in Enugu, where he completed his preliminary National Diploma course in Business Administration and Management.
Idibia performed at school-organised shows and parties, as well as at other regional schools such as the University of Nigeria and Enugu State University of Science and Technology while attending IMT. He eventually dropped out of school to pursue a career in music.
On May 10, 2016, the Esama of the Benin Kingdom and founder of the university, Gabriel Igbinedion, presented the 40-year-old singer with an honuorary degree at Igbinedion University in Okada, Benin.
Omotola Jalade, another Nollywood actress cum musician, has been awarded an honourary doctorate degree.In 2019 the actress/musician got an honourary doctorate from Igbenedion University in Okada. She received the honour for her services to the advancement of humanity.
Adesua Etomi-Wellington, a musician and actress from Nigeria, received an honourary degree from the University of Wolverhampton on Monday, September 5, in recognition of her work in the arts. Adesua earned a degree in drama and performance from the university in 2009, and she received a doctorate in the arts in honour of her outstanding commitment to the arts and culture.
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