The conferment took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at The Radcliffe Centre, University of Buckingham, during the institution’s Africa Day celebration. The ceremony, presided over by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Cole, celebrated leadership, service and the transformative power of education as the institution marked its 50th anniversary.
According to the university, Alakija’s achievements reflect its values of success, service and leadership. Professor Debarpita Bardhan-Correia, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted her commitment to creating opportunities for others, describing it as one of the highest expressions of leadership.
She noted that the occasion celebrated not only an accomplished African woman but also the possibilities that emerge when Africa and the United Kingdom collaborate through education, enterprise and leadership.
Delivering the oration, Professor Shalom Lloyd MBE commended Alakija’s ability to bridge cultures, unite people, transform organisations and inspire a brighter future. She also emphasised the importance of investing in Africa’s next generation, asking: “What better investment can we make than developing Africa’s future leaders?”
A message for the next generation
Accepting the honorary degree, Alakija expressed gratitude to God and thanked the university’s Council and Senate for the recognition. She said she was particularly honoured to receive the distinction during Buckingham Africa Day.
Speaking on Africa’s potential and the responsibility that comes with achievement, she said the continent’s creativity and resilience must be matched by a commitment to service.
“Africa is a continent of immense potential, creativity and resilience and that achievement carries responsibility to serve others,” she said.
She encouraged students and young people to pursue their aspirations with passion, perseverance and diligence, urging them to uphold humility and excellence while recognising the value of their contributions.
Her message underscored a central principle of her career: that success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others, inspires the next generation and contributes to the greater good.
A legacy beyond business
With a career spanning banking, fashion, oil and gas, real estate, printing and philanthropy, Alakija has established a profile that extends beyond commercial success to include mentorship, service and enterprise development.
Her journey continues to serve as a reference point for women and girls in Nigeria and across Africa, illustrating the possibilities that emerge when ambition is combined with resilience, purpose and a commitment to social impact.
Following the ceremony, the university hosted a reception in her honour, attended by alumni, students and members of the university community. Alakija also interacted with students and guests who sought her advice, offering counsel and encouragement.
Family members, including her son, Dele Alakija, and her sister, Arinola Ogbara, joined friends, university representatives and well-wishers at the event. She expressed appreciation to the university and to family members and friends who travelled from Nigeria to celebrate the milestone.
The honorary doctorate marks another milestone in the recognition of a Nigerian woman whose influence spans multiple sectors. Her achievements also reinforce the importance of women’s leadership, purposeful enterprise and philanthropy in creating opportunities and inspiring future generations.
