The Federal Government has approved new guidelines regulating the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria, including a prohibition on recipients using the title “Dr” based on such honours.
The policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council following recommendations from the National Universities Commission (NUC), in a move aimed at strengthening academic standards and addressing growing concerns over the misuse of honorary degrees.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, said the reform is intended to restore credibility and proper distinction between earned academic qualifications and honorary awards.
Under the new framework, only universities that have successfully produced their first set of PhD graduates will be eligible to award honorary doctorate degrees.
The policy also limits institutions to a maximum of three honorary doctorate awards per convocation ceremony.
In addition, all honorary degrees must clearly carry the designation “Honoris Causa” to differentiate them from earned doctoral qualifications.
The guidelines further state that recipients of honorary doctorates will no longer be permitted to use the title “Dr” as a result of the award.
According to the ministry, the new rules cover the entire process of nomination, approval, conferment, and even possible withdrawal of honorary degrees where necessary.
The government also directed universities to publish the names of all honorary degree recipients and ensure that awardees receive proper orientation on the appropriate use of the honour.
The National Universities Commission will oversee compliance with the policy and enforce sanctions against defaulting institutions.
The Federal Government warned that universities that fail to adhere to the guidelines may face penalties, including suspension of accreditation activities and possible dissolution of governing councils.
