Sir Howard, who was the guest speaker for the university's graduation exercise, was also honoured by his alma mater as he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Education degree.

In praising the 173-year-old institution, Cooke said he was overwhelmed by the award. He told the graduates that since his time as a Mico student in 1936, he had seen considerable progress.

Sir Howard encouraged the graduates to use their skills to improve the society. He cited the achievements of Mico alumni who have served Jamaica well in the Church, education, civil society and government. This, he said, was sure to continue.

"I am sure that Mico, because of its motto, 'Do It With Thy Might', will continue to serve Jamaica well," he said.

In addressing the graduates, Professor Errol Miller, Mico chancellor, urged them to approach their careers with optimism despite the nation's many challenges.

He called on the Government and society to create strategies to buttress the hopes of young persons who have struggled to improve themselves by gaining higher education.

"We must, as a matter of urgency, create new ways to support these young people," he said.