Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation and former Nigerian Minister of Finance, has been conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of Oxford. The announcement was made by Okonjo-Iweala via her X page on Wednesday.
A great honor to be recognised today by Oxford University with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.litt. honoris causa). A marvellous ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre followed by receptions at All Souls and St Johns Colleges. With Chancellor Lord Christopher Patten and… pic.twitter.com/FIdf5Q4Hd6
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) June 19, 2024
The prestigious Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt. honoris causa) was awarded to her in a ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre, which was followed by receptions at All Souls and St John’s Colleges. Okonjo-Iweala shared photos from the event, featuring her husband, Dr. Ikemba Iweala, and her daughter, Dr. Onyinye Iweala, alongside other dignitaries and honorands.
Her post read, “A great honour to be recognised today by Oxford University with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt. honoris causa). A marvellous ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre followed by receptions at All Souls and St John’s Colleges.”
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Among the distinguished honorands were Sir Michael Palin, renowned comedian and television presenter, Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, Sir Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of DeepMind, Professor Salim Yusuf, a global health expert, and Anoushka Shankar, acclaimed sitar player and composer. The event was also graced by Chancellor Lord Christopher Patten and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Irene Tracey.
Okonjo-Iweala also mentioned her interactions with several notable figures, including Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, Baroness Valerie Amos, Master of University College, Oxford, Mr. Hosh Ibrahim of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, and Sir Ian Goldin, as well as members of the Oxford Africa Society. These interactions highlight her engagement with prominent leaders and organizations dedicated to advancing global development and governance.
This honorary degree is a testament to Okonjo-Iweala’s impactful contributions to global finance, trade, and governance. Her recognition by one of the world’s leading academic institutions underscores her influence and the high regard she holds on the international stage.