5 February 2026

Yangon University has awarded an Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A., honoris causa) to junta chair and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on February 5, according to available information.

The conferment ceremony was held at Yangon University’s Convocation Hall and was attended by members of the military junta and Union ministers.

Myanmar’s junta-appointed Minister of Education said the honorary degree was awarded in recognition of Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership and management abilities in addressing challenges encountered during the country’s political transition.

Those present at the ceremony reportedly included junta member and Prime Minister U Nyo Saw and his wife, junta secretary General Yar Pyae and his wife, other junta members, Union ministers, the Chief Minister of Yangon Region, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, the Yangon Region military commander, and the Rector of Yangon University.

Observers have noted that the decision to award an honorary doctorate to the military leader by Yangon University is likely to draw criticism.