The last time we checked on Howard University, it was cutting 200 from the staff in the wake of fiscal troubles.

Choices like this probably help explain some of its difficulties:

Music mogul P. Diddy has been tapped to receive an honorary degree and give the graduation speech at Howard University this May.

“We are honored to have Mr. Combs serve as our speaker,” the historically black college’s officials said in a statement. “He sat in classrooms where our students sit, walked ‘The Yard,’ and like many students, his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked at Howard.”

Unlike many students at Howard, however – Diddy never did earn that degree. He dropped out to pursue his music career, a fact that has some people confused as to why he was selected for the honor.

“We know he will inspire our class to work hard and to always strive for excellence,” campus officials added.

Diddy took to Twitter to gush about the honor, saying he was speechless and thanking administrators.

No word yet on whether he’ll give a performance while he’s up on stage.