HALIFAX -- The University of King's College in Halifax will confer an honorary degree to Malala Yousafzai, the campaigner for girls' education who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban.

The university says the 16-year-old won't attend the ceremony due to her studies in England but she will be granted the honour on May 15.

Gov.-Gen. David Johnston, former Nova Scotia premier John Hamm and former senator Michael Meighen will also be among those receiving honorary degrees as the liberal arts university marks its 225th anniversary.

Dr. Carol Ann Charlebois will also receive an honorary degree for her work as executive director of Metro Non-Profit Housing, an organization that provides homes for people with health and other challenges.

University president George Cooper says all of the recipients have made significant contributions to education and the rights of the individual.

Yousafzai's efforts to improve education for girls and women gained world attention in 2012 after she survived the Taliban assassination attempt.