Award-winning Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie will become the first African woman to deliver a convocation speech at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
The University announced on its website that Adichie would speak at its 264th commencement on Monday, May 18, 2020.
The University of Pennsylvania is one of the eight Ivy League universities in the US.
The Americanah author will also be honoured with the university’s highest degree – ‘Doctor of Humane Letter’ (LHD) at the event.
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The Doctor of Humane Letter is only reserved for those who have excelled in their chosen professions which, according to the President of the University is the institution’s highest degree.
The university said in a statement:
“Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will deliver the address at the 2020 University of Pennsylvania Commencement on Monday, May 18. The announcement was made today by Vice President and University Secretary Medha Narvekar.
“We are honored to bestow our highest degree on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and have her address our graduates at Penn’s 264th Commencement.
“Her compelling narratives and absolutely fascinating commentary on complex cultural issues elevate the power of the individual voice.”
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The statement added:
“It will be our pleasure to welcome renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as our 2020 Commencement speaker and to celebrate the contributions of all of our extraordinary honorees. Their exceptional achievements encompass world-changing discovery, creativity, scholarship, the guardianship of justice, and compassionate service to others,” said Julie Beren Platt, Penn trustee and chair of the Trustee Honorary Degrees Committee.
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