Lusófona University awards Honorary Doctorate to Manuel de Almeida Damásio

On 22 April 2026, Lusófona University awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Professor Manuel de Almeida Damásio, Chairman of the Board of Directors of COFAC, the founding entity of Lusófona University. The solemn ceremony took place at the Agostinho da Silva Auditorium, at Lusófona University - Lisbon University Centre, and was also broadcast live at Cinema Fernando Lopes, allowing attendees to witness one of the most significant moments in the institution’s recent history.

The distinction recognised a lifetime dedicated to education, knowledge, and the building of Lusophone Education. Over more than three decades, Manuel de Almeida Damásio has been associated with the creation, development, and consolidation of an academic network inspired by the concept of Lusophony, with a presence in Portugal and in several CPLP countries. His journey has been closely linked to promoting access to higher education and responding to the educational needs of Portuguese-speaking societies.

The ceremony began with the Academic Procession and a Musical Performance, followed by speeches from the Rector Magnificus of Lusófona University, Professor José Bragança de Miranda, and the Executive Administrator, Professor Manuel José Damásio. The rationale for the proposal to award the Doctorate Honoris Causa was presented by the Rectorate, through Professor Luís Cláudio Ribeiro.

The international dimension of this journey gained particular expression through the words of representatives from different countries across the Lusophone world. This was followed by testimonies from Dr Carlos Matias de Brito, General Administrator of Instituto Superior Politécnico de Humanidades e Tecnologias EkuiKui II, in Angola; Professor Aparecida Maria Clapis de Paula, Director of Colégio Português, in São Paulo, Brazil; Professor Doctor Carlos Delgado, Rector of Lusófona University of Cape Verde; and Professor Doctor Rui Jandi, Rector of Lusófona University of Guinea-Bissau.

The tribute to the new Doctor was delivered by the Academic Sponsor, Professor Eduardo Marçal Grilo, before the formal conferral of the title by the Rector. In his address, Professor Manuel de Almeida Damásio reflected on the meaning of the journey undertaken and reaffirmed the commitment that has guided Lusophone Education: “In receiving this tribute, I wish therefore to renew this commitment: for as long as there are children, young people, and adults in the Portuguese-speaking world waiting for an opportunity to learn and to develop, our work will be far from complete.”

Considered the largest private university in Portugal, Lusófona University is now part of Lusophone Education, an educational project that brings together institutions united by the promotion of knowledge, innovation, inclusion, diversity, and intercultural exchange. With thousands of students from different nationalities and a diverse academic offering, this academic network stands out through the connection between Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The ceremony concluded with a Musical Performance, greetings to the new Doctor, and a Porto de Honra with all invited guests. The distinction awarded to Professor Doctor Manuel de Almeida Damásio thus took on a meaning that goes beyond individual recognition, evoking the construction of an academic legacy focused on the human, scientific, and cultural development of the Lusophone world, and reaffirming a mission that remains alive.

View photos of the event on ULusófona’s Facebook page

Text
Catarina Castanheira

Photography
Ana Rita Isidoro

Video (Coverage)
Catarina Castanheira
Sara Serrano
Rui Simões
Marco Migueis
Marina Pádua
Diana Guerra

Production
Filipa Cavém

Editing (Video)
Mariana Pádua and Diana Guerra