Imperial College London’s Prof. Ochieng Receives UG Honorary Degree for Outstanding Contributions to Engineering and Innovation
Imperial College London’s Professor Washington Yotto Ochieng, the 2026 Aggrey–Fraser–Guggisberg Memorial Lecturer, has been conferred with an honorary degree by the University of Ghana. The degree was conferred on him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to engineering, scientific innovation and the development of resilient global navigation systems for nations and for delivering the 2026 Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg Memorial Lectures.
He was honoured in the category of Outstanding Innovator at a special congregation ceremony held following the conclusion of day two of the 2026 Aggrey–Fraser–Guggisberg Memorial lecture series. The award reflects his decades of dedication, leadership and impact in his field.
Speaking at the opening of the special congregation, Chair of the University of Ghana Council, Madam Marrietta Agyeiwaa Brew, explained that the decision to award Prof. Ochieng stems from his notable contributions to his field, exemplary leadership, resilience and innovation. “Such accomplishments make Professor Ochieng an inspiration to the younger generation to strive for excellence,” she said.
Madam Brew further explained that “an honorary degree is the recognition of excellence, achievements and contributions to society. It acknowledges a lifetime of dedication to one’s field and an appreciation of efforts to improve the lives of others. Professor Ochieng has certainly done these and more,” she added.
The Council Chair, in conferring the honour on behalf of the University’s Chancellor, praised Prof. Ochieng for his excellent delivery of the lecture series and noted that the University’s Management and entire community extend their warmest commendations to him on this well-deserved recognition.
In her statement at the ceremony to present the candidate for the conferment of the honour, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo recounted the many exceptional contributions of Prof. Ochieng to engineering, scientific innovation and global navigation systems for use in both developed and developing nations. She stated the pride of the University to be associated with the Imperial College London–based Professor.
A citation presented in Prof. Ochieng’s honour highlighted his pioneering work in urban sustainability, resilient infrastructure and the practical application of advanced technologies in engineering and planning.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Ochieng reflected on the universities that shaped his growth, including the University of Nairobi and the University of Nottingham, noting that he had drawn inspiration from their mottos of collaboration, work and wisdom to build cities in delivering his lectures.
He called for all efforts directed towards building smart and sustainable cities to be pursued with integrity and a commitment to truth in line with the University of Ghana’s motto. He expressed gratitude to the University Council, Management and the broader university community for the honour.
Prof. Ochieng also received commemorative presentations from the University and the official beverage sponsor of the 2026 lecture series, Promasidor Ghana Ltd.
In earlier remarks, Registrar Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah provided an overview of the purpose and significance of the Special Congregation, highlighting the University’s commitment to recognising excellence and achievement.
The two-day lecture series and the Special Congregation were organised by the Public Affairs Directorate, in collaboration with the Office of the Registrar and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and moderated by Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of Public Affairs.
