She told the graduates in the crowd: “Never let anyone change the way you feel, change the course of what you and your vision and what you want for yourself … Never quit.”
The model’s mum Valerie Morris was watching from the audience and was given a special nod by her daughter, who praised the “very strong women” in her life.
She revealed they taught her the “three Ds” for success – dedication, determination and drive.
Naomi’s appearance at the ceremony came just a day after she walked the runway for fashion brand Balenciaga at a show in Paris, France and a video posted online showed her wiping away a tear as she told the university crowd: “I’m just thinking, yesterday I was on the runway doing Balenciaga.”
She was joined at the star-studded catwalk show by stars including Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid who all walked for the brand.
The honourary doctorate comes after a milestone year for the star, who recently became a first-time mum and celebrated her first Mother’s Day in 2022 with her baby daughter.
During her special day, she posted online: “1st Mothers Day UK … Gods Greatest Blessing !! #happymothersday #blessed #grateful … ”