16th March 2015 For his efforts in education and philanthropy, Chief Afe Babalola from Nigeria has been honored by The University of London with a Doctor of Law (honoris causa). This makes him the first African to receive the award in this particular field. The award was announced at the institution’s 2015 graduation ceremony which happened at the Barbican Centre, in London. Other Africans who have received the award include the late Dr. Nelson Mandela in 1996 and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 2008.
The Governor of Ondo State in Nigeria, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko was one of those who reacted to the positive development, and he said that the University of London had observed the sterling qualities of the octogenarian, as well as his unrelenting efforts and contributions in the field of law, education, and generally in the world of knowledge.
Also speaking from the side of the University was The Vice Chancellor, Sir Adrian Smith, who in a mail said “We are indeed delighted that Chief Afe Babalola will be accepting the honorary degree from the University of London because he has an exceptional record in both his personal achievements and in the difference he has made to others, particularly in the legal profession in Nigeria.”