The Governing Board of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, U.S. is set to confer a honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters to the president of African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina. 

A statement from the AfDB on Saturday, said the honour was in recognition of Mr Adesina for his exemplary leadership and the bank’s efforts in eradicating the scourge of poverty in Africa.

“On behalf of the entire Duke University community, I am delighted to inform you that our Board of Trustees has approved the unanimous recommendation of the Academic Council, the governing body of our faculty, to confer upon you the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

“It is my distinct pleasure to invite you to receive this recognition at Duke’s spring Commencement exercises, which will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 8, 2022.

“Yours has been a truly extraordinary career. You have fought to eradicate poverty and improve living conditions in Africa.

“Your bravery and commitment has inspired countless people around the globe. I know that your example will also inspire our graduates to careers of equal purpose and principle.

“Commencement weekend is a time of celebration throughout the University community.

“In addition to the Commencement exercises on Sunday morning, highlights of the weekend will include a private dinnercelebration of the honorary degree recipients on Saturday, and a luncheon on Sunday following Commencement,” a statement quoted Vincent Price, President of Duke’s Governing Board as saying. 

(NAN)