FG INTRODUCES STRICT RULES FOR HONORARY DOCTORATE AWARDS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

FG INTRODUCES STRICT RULES FOR HONORARY DOCTORATE AWARDS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES


The Federal Government has approved new guidelines governing the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigerian universities as part of efforts to strengthen academic integrity and curb the misuse of honorary academic titles.

The policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), was developed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the new framework was introduced in response to growing concerns about the commercialization, abuse, and misuse of honorary doctorate awards across the country.

The minister noted that the guidelines are designed to improve transparency, accountability, and credibility within Nigeria’s university system while ensuring that honorary degrees retain their prestige and academic significance.

Under the new regulations, only universities that have successfully graduated their first set of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students will be eligible to confer honorary doctorate degrees.

The guidelines also limit institutions to awarding a maximum of three honorary doctorate degrees during any convocation ceremony.

In addition, all honorary degrees must clearly bear the designation “Honoris Causa,” distinguishing them from earned academic qualifications.

One of the key provisions of the policy prohibits recipients of honorary doctorate awards from using the title “Dr” solely on the basis of receiving an honorary degree.

The government stated that honorary recipients must not present themselves as holders of earned doctoral qualifications unless they have independently obtained such academic credentials through recognized educational programmes.

Universities are further required to publicly disclose the names of honorary degree recipients and provide orientation sessions that explain the significance, responsibilities, and limitations associated with the awards.

The guidelines also mandate institutions to establish formal procedures for the withdrawal or revocation of honorary degrees where circumstances warrant such action.

To ensure compliance, the Federal Government has introduced oversight measures, including the establishment of monitoring mechanisms under the National Universities Commission.

Authorities said universities that violate the new rules could face sanctions ranging from the suspension of accreditation activities to the possible dissolution of governing councils.

The Ministry of Education emphasized that strict compliance with the guidelines is mandatory for all affected institutions.

The development follows concerns previously raised by the NUC regarding the increasing number of honorary doctorate awards being conferred without adequate standards, as well as the activities of unauthorized organizations issuing academic titles outside the regulatory framework.

Education stakeholders have long argued that stronger regulation is necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system and prevent the devaluation of academic qualifications.

With the implementation of the new guidelines, the Federal Government aims to ensure that honorary doctorate degrees are reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, academia, public service, or national development while preserving the credibility of the nation’s university system.

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