Nigeria’s prolific writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie yesterday received her honorary degree from the Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. Seven other inspirational individuals, who have made a positive impact on the world, including renowned U.S. filmmaker Spike Lee also received their honorary doctorates. The degrees were conferred at the university commencement ceremony at Royal Farms Arena.

It’s official, one of Nigeria’s most prolific writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has received an honorary doctorate degree from the Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

Dr Adichie and seven other celebrated global achievers, who have made their mark in various fields received the honour at a colourful event at the university’s commencement ceremony at Royal Farms Arena.

At the ceremony, Dr Adichie, who is the author of critically acclaimed books, Americanah, Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun wore the traditional gold and black gown, beaming with excitement.

Renowned U.S. filmmaker Spike Lee, who also received an honorary degree delivered a poignant address at the ceremony in which he advised graduates to, “build bridges of love versus walls of hate”. Through his work, Lee has been at the forefront critiquing America’s racial and social constructs and relations, while advocating for equality and justice.

Read: Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith to boycott Oscars over lack of diversity in the nominations

Other recipients of the honorary degree include the founding director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, Laurie Zabin, Richard Axel, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2004, amongst others.

Social media has been abuzz with messages congratulating Dr Adichie on the honour.

https://twitter.com/This_IsForever/status/733044780800823297

https://twitter.com/ShadyBurrito/status/733047123307069443

. Congrats to @ChimamandaSays Adichie honorary degree @JHU .Great talk at lunch on why we should all be feminists! pic.twitter.com/KZo172lZaY — Renee ChenaultFattah (@ReneeCFattah) May 19, 2016

Source: Johns Hopkins University