The University of Leicester has honoured British Asian entrepreneur Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, who sought refuge in the East Midlands following escape from a brutal regime abroad.

Dr Kotecha was formally recognised by the University of Leicester for his contribution to society on Thursday, 20 July. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science during a graduation ceremony, held at De Montfort Hall.

He arrived in Leicester as a young refugee along with his family in 1972 after escaping the oppressive rule of Idi Amin in Uganda. They only had the clothes they wore and a couple of suitcases when they entered the country.

Despite the humble beginnings, the businessman went on to achieve remarkable success, establishing the highly prosperous Morningside Pharmaceuticals and subsequently transforming into a prominent philanthropist by establishing the Randal Charitable Foundation, making significant global contributions to pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and innovation.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dr Kotecha said: “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.

“My advice to all graduating students is: as you step out into the world armed with your degrees, please remember that you possess a power, to positively shape our world.

“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.”

After arriving in the UK, he worked hard during his school years in Leicester to achieve a Leicestershire council grant, which enabled him to start his further education in Newcastle.

He later went on to study for a PhD under the supervision of Professor Steven Ley FRS at Imperial College London, and further doctorate work at the University of Cambridge. His areas of research included drug discovery of molecules to treat type II diabetes and infection, which led to work into big pharma.

Inspired by his childhood experiences, Dr Kotecha later established generic medicines manufacturer and supplier, Morningside Pharmaceuticals, with a mission to provide high quality affordable and accessible medicines to the world. This mission led to the business becoming one of the leading UK suppliers of a wide range of medical supplies to International Aid Organisations, having exported to more than 120 countries globally since inception.

For over three decades, he steered the company to remarkable global achievements before selling off the business in 2022. Throughout his tenure at this Top 100 Leicestershire company, significant investments were made in research and development, resulting in the introduction of numerous innovations aimed at aiding patients in adhering to their medication regimen.

Dr Kotecha has previously supported the establishment of the university’s Leicester Medical School. He has also worked closely with the university to help nurture innovation through its Innovation Hub; and more widely in the Midlands through his work as Chair of the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership’s (LLEP) Innovation Board.

In February 2023 he received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards in recognition of this commitment.

In 2017 Dr Kotecha and his wife Moni founded the Randal Charitable Foundation with the aim to directly save a million lives and significantly improve the quality of life for those in need in the UK and around the world. As well as providing grants, one of many projects supported by the Foundation is driving national policy change to reduce the reoffending rate amongst ex-prisoners by helping them find employment.

A further project led to a step-change of over £1 billion in funding from the UK Government in support for those affected by addiction, whilst another is spotlighting the challenge of loneliness and isolation in our society.

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, 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.”