The University of the Free State (UFS) will on Friday, April 11, 2025, confer an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree on renowned Nigerian historian and global intellectual, Professor Toyin Falola. The prestigious recognition will be presented during the university’s combined graduation and awards ceremony at its Bloemfontein Campus, where Professor Falola is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
Professor Falola, a preeminent African scholar with an illustrious academic record and worldwide acclaim, is being honoured for his outstanding contributions to both scholarly advancement and service to humanity. The honorary degree places him among an elite group of individuals recognised by the UFS for embodying the institution’s twin ideals: academic excellence and human impact.
The university’s honorary degrees are awarded to individuals with either exceptional academic reputations or those whose achievements in fields such as science, culture, leadership, media, or education have left a lasting global or local imprint, particularly in South Africa. Professor Falola’s recognition reflects his enduring influence in both domains.
The ceremony will commence at 8:30 AM, with the official constitution of the congregation by Acting Chancellor, Professor Hester C. Klopper. This will be followed by a welcome address from Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vasu Reddy, and a musical presentation.
Professor Falola will then be formally presented to the Acting Chancellor by Professor S. Kamga, Dean of the Faculty of Law. Following the conferment of the honorary doctorate, he will deliver his acceptance remarks and a keynote speech, addressing the graduating class and congratulating the recipients of diplomas in Law.
The event will conclude with the presentation of graduates and the formal dissolution of the congregation by the Acting Chancellor.
Founded in 1904 as the Grey University College with just six Humanities students, the University of the Free State has grown into one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected institutions of higher learning. With over 39,000 students enrolled across its campuses in Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa, UFS offers diverse academic programmes across seven faculties, including Law, Humanities, Health Sciences, and Theology.
The university is celebrated for its high graduate success rates, robust student support services, and commitment to research, innovation, and regional engagement. UFS continues to produce globally competitive graduates and remains a vital contributor to development and social justice in South Africa and beyond.
The honouring of Professor Falola reaffirms the university’s vision of recognising transformative scholarship and leadership that transcend borders and inspire future generations.
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