Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – Acclaimed Nigerian author Ben Okri will receive an honorary doctorate at the University of Pretoria’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony in South Africa on Friday, the university said.
In addition to the thousands of degrees which the University will bestow on its students, it will also honour some of the world’s foremost contributors to veterinary science, education, engineering and literature.
As a foremost literary author, Okri has authored nine novels, the third of which (The Famished Road) won the Booker prize in 1991.
In addition to these novels, he has published nine volumes and collections of essays, poetry and short stories.
Widely regarded as one of the best writers of the 20th and 21st centuries, Okri was born in Nigeria and spent his early childhood in London before returning to his native land.
His works are heavily influenced by Nigerian mythology and culture, as well as the devastating effects of the Biafran War.
In a statement, the University Council said Okri is being honored for “being a widely recognised, international writer and scholar whose outstanding contribution to contemporary world literature dare not go unnoticed”.
