The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), has on Wednesday November 30, conferred an honorary degree on President Samia Suluhu Hassan in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education and human right.

Also, the public academic institution honoured the president with the accolade for her contribution to building Tanzania's economy and democracy, bridging the gender gap, and improving access to education.

Jakaya Kikwete, UDSM chancellor and former Tanzanian president, conferred the degree on President Samia at the university's 52nd graduation ceremony held at the Mlimani City Hall in Dar es Salaam.

University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Chancellor and former President Jakaya Kikwete confers Honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) honoris causa) to presiding Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan. President Samia has been recognized for her immerse positive impacts in the education sector and human rights.

The Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) honoris causa) of UDSM has been conferred on the president as a special graduate following her distinguished contribution to society.

University of Dar es Salaam honours Samia with Doctorate degree
In her acceptance speech, President Samia said she received the honorary degree with humility, though at first she thought, she didn’t deserve the award but looking at the reason behind it, she thanked the university for the honour.

"I have received this award with great honor. But I asked myself several questions because previously I tried to get a PHD but time did not allow me to do so," Samia said.

She went on to say, "Although I thought I didn't have the qualifications to be awarded this degree, after carefully listening to the explanation on my profile, I got light of the reasons why the University of Dar es Salaam decided to award me this degree related to a broad field of humanity and a personality that directly touches the lives of Tanzanians."

Other Tanzanian heads of state to receive the honour from the University of Dar es Salaam include Jakaya Kikwete and Benjamin Mkapa. The late president John Magufuli received a similar honour from the University of Dodoma.