President Samia awarded degree of economy by Turkey's Ankara University
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is awarded an honorary doctorate by the rector of Ankara University, Prof Necdet Unuvar, In Ankara on April 17, 2024. Looking on is Turkish Family and Social Services minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday bagged her fourth honorary doctorate, with local analysts explaining what it means.
President was awarded the degree honoris causa by Ankara University on the second day of her five-day state visit to Türkiye.
The doctorate was “in recognition of her exceptional leadership in advancing social, political and economic reforms that have improved the welfare of Tanzanians, enhanced Tanzania’s reputation around the world and developed commercial, economic and political relations between Tanzania and other countries, including Türkiye”, according to Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister January Makamba.
After receiving the award from the rector of Ankara University, Prof Necdet Unuvar, the President Hassan expressed her gratitude on behalf of the people of Tanzania.
“I’m only their leader and I’m doing what I’m doing on their behalf. As I reflect and recall the uphill challenges that I encountered and the resilience and diligence of my people, I’m exceedingly humbled to accept this Honorary Doctorate,” she said.
President Hassan’s first honorary doctorate was awarded by the University of Dar es Salaam on November 30 2022 in recognition of her contribution in building Tanzania’s economy and democracy, bridging the gender gap and improving access to education.
The degree was conferred by the UDSM chancellor and Retired President, Dr Jakaya Kikwete.
In October 2023 President Hassan bagged her second honorary doctorate from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) of India, becoming the woman to win the award from the prestigious institution.
In December of the same year she was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Tourism Management and Marketing by the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), which honoured her contribution to promoting tourism and economic development in the country.
The President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who is also the SUZA Chancellor, conferred the degree on President Hassan.
Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, political analysts and academicians shed light on the multifaceted nature of recognition.
A political analyst, Dr Paul Loisulie, said an honorary doctorate is an appreciation given to someone when they are recognised to have made a substantial contribution to their country in a specific area.
“It is an honour that a university decides to confer on an individual and is a practice that exists worldwide,” he said.
A lecturer from the University of Dodoma, Mr Justine Kajerero said honorary doctorates awarded by prestigious university raise the status of recipients.
“As a nation, we have seen her performance and it’s good that she is being recognised,” he said.
Mr Kajerero explained that these honorary degrees are awarded after panels and committees of the respective universities discuss in depth whether the individual deserves it before conferring it upon them.
“This can serve as a catalyst for them to do even greater things in the sectors they have been recognized for or in others,” he added.
Political analyst Buberwa Kaiza said honorary degrees are conferred on people who have done great things in their countries, such as leaders who have led their countries through difficult times like wars.
