- Thursday, February 27, 2025
The university formally recognised Dr Kotecha’s contribution to society by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate of Science during a graduation ceremony at De Montfort Hall.
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE University of Leicester on Thursday (20) honoured Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, a renowned entrepreneur who had reached the East Midlands as a child refugee with his family in 1972, after escaping the brutal regime of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.
From a humble beginning in the UK when his family had nothing but a few clothes and suitcases in their possession, Dr Kotecha built up a hugely successful career.
From founding Morningside Pharmaceuticals and becoming a major philanthropist as founder of the Randal Charitable Foundation, he made international contributions to pharmaceuticals, life sciences and innovation.
The University of Leicester formally recognised Dr Kotecha’s contribution to society by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate of Science during a graduation ceremony, held at De Montfort Hall.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr Kotecha, who grew up in Leicester, before basing his international pharmaceuticals business in Loughborough, said after the ceremony, “I’m truly honoured and humbled to receive this honorary degree from the University of Leicester.
“As a young man and throughout my academic and entrepreneurial journey, I’ve long been an admirer of the University’s commitment to supporting and developing young people.
“I hope my story helps inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to work hard and follow their dreams of making a positive difference to the world.”
Dr Kotecha also advised all graduating students saying when they step out into the world armed with their degrees, they should remember that they have a power to shape the world positively.
“You have the potential to ignite change, to challenge conventional wisdom, and to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of others. The world needs your ideas, your innovation, and your passion to tackle the pressing issues of our time.”
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester, said, “Nik has reaped exceptional achievements academically, in business and through his contributions of charity and philanthropy.
“For over 30 years he has utilised his passion for drug discovery, international trade and providing quality, affordable healthcare to forge a highly successful career, where he has drawn on this experience be a strong voice and ambassador for business, charitable organisations and establishing a charity that saves and improves lives.
“Nik is an impressive role model to our graduates and the wider university community.”
Dr Kotecha, who worked hard as a student in Leicester after starting a new life in the UK and gradually established himself as an entrepreneur, has also been honoured by the Asian Media Group with various awards and accolades, including the Fast Growth Business Award 2015 – ABA Midlands; Healthcare Business Award 2017; Asian Business Award of the Year Midlands 2017; and Pearls of Uganda Award 2022.
