Goodluck Jonathan

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Goodluck Jonathan's most celebrated achievement is his peaceful concession of power after the 2015 presidential election, a historic first for an incumbent Nigerian leader. This act earned him international recognition as a statesman and multiple peace and democracy awards. He is the first Nigerian president with a PhD and the only one to have held all four positions of deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president. His administration's GDP rebasing in 2014 made Nigeria Africa's largest economy, a milestone in the country's economic history.

AwardsJonathan has received several notable awards. He was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in 2010. In 2015, he received the African Union's Champion for Peace and Democracy award and the UN Secretary-General's Award for Peace and Democracy for his peaceful concession. He also won the Commonwealth Award for Democratic Governance and the National Democratic Institute's Champion of Democracy Award. The Atlantic Council gave him a Global Leadership Award in 2015.

Honours & Distinctions

Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)

Government of Nigeria·2010

Nigeria's second-highest national honour, awarded upon becoming president.

Doctor of Laws (honorary)

University of Port Harcourt·2012

Honorary doctorate for contributions to public service.

Doctor of Science (honorary)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University·2013

Honorary doctorate for leadership in science and education.

Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary)

Jackson State University, USA·2014

Honorary doctorate for democratic leadership.

Peace and Reconciliation Award

Kofi Annan Foundation·2016

For his role in promoting peace and democracy in Africa.

Distinguished Leadership Award

African Leadership Forum·2017

For exemplary leadership in Africa.

Rankings & Lists

#100

TIME 100 Most Influential People

TIME Magazine·2013

#55

World's Most Powerful People

Forbes·2013

#100

100 Most Influential Africans

New African Magazine·2014

African Leader of the Year

African Leadership Magazine·2015

Magazine Covers

TIME Magazine

April 2013

Nigeria: The Giant Awakens

Forbes Africa

October 2013

Nigeria's President on the Economy and the Future

New African Magazine

July 2014

Nigeria's Toughest Test

African Business Magazine

January 2015

Africa's Largest Economy: The Next Chapter

Records & Feats

First Nigerian president with a PhD

Historic First·1995

Jonathan earned a PhD in Zoology (Fisheries Biology) from the University of Port Harcourt in 1995, making him the first Nigerian head of state to hold a doctorate.

Only Nigerian to hold all four top political offices

Career Milestone·2010

Jonathan is the only Nigerian to have served as deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president.

First Nigerian president born in the Niger Delta

Historic First·2010

Jonathan is the first president from the Niger Delta region, a key oil-producing area.