Honorary awards scream "Honour" which means that such awards are given to recognize and celebrate someone's exceptional achievements, contributions, or service in a particular field or to society. These awards are often a rating of respect and acknowledgement for outstanding accomplishments, without necessarily following the usual competitive or specific criteria found in regular awards. 

The significance of an honorary award involves recognizing that they can vary from one view to another and this may include lifetime achievement, special recognition for outstanding services, or contribution to a particular community. This only explains that for a person to be conferred with an honorary award, they must have worked so hard (not for the purpose) and earned it. 

Types of Honorary Awards 

Remember that these awards are not earned through academic study although they portray what looks like academic degrees. They include: 

• Doctor of Divinity (DD or D.DIV): This is usually awarded to religious leaders or people who have led a really spiritual life worthy of impact. 

• Doctor of Science (D.sc): Awarded to people who have made an exceptional contribution to scientific fields. 

• Doctor of Fine Arts (D.FA): Awarded to people who have made a huge mark in any type of art. Say music, fashion, and co. 

• Doctor of Laws (LLD): This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to law, justice, and public services. 

• Doctor of Letters (D.Litt): Awarded to people who have been excellent and contributed heavily to literature, writing, or humanities. 

This means that an individual is awarded an honorary doctorate degree according to the community they have greatly been a part of. 

What are the criteria for being conferred an honorary degree? 

• Such a person must have contributed immensely to the growth of an organisation and they have a very good reputation. 

• Such a person must have a life worthy of respect, emulation, and impact. 

• Activities of such person must contain outstanding contributions in science, humanities, welfare, teaching and learning, research and arts. 

• Such a person must align with the activities of the university giving the award. 

These criteria, however, may vary from one university to another. There may be a slight or obvious change in the outlined criteria. 

What do Honorary Awardees stand to gain? 

An honorary award allows you to experience the following: 

• High Recognition and prestige within the society. 

• Represents a pinnacle of achievement and a validation of life's work. 

• People who receive honorary awards can use their recognition to support important causes, gather money, or make more people aware of things that are helpful to society, culture, or science.

• Getting an honorary award can make people trust and respect you more. This might help you get asked for advice, to give opinions, or even to lead and make decisions in different places or organizations. 

Most honorary awards are awarded to individuals by higher institutions, say universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. This is usually after the institutions have identified that the individual deserves it. 

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