Move targets abuse of academic honours, introduces stricter oversight
The Federal Government of Nigeria has barred recipients of honorary degrees from using the title “Dr,” in a move aimed at curbing what it describes as widespread abuse of academic honours.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announced the decision on Wednesday during a media briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to the minister, the directive was approved at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council held on April 30, following concerns over the growing politicisation of honorary awards.
“The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” Alausa said. “We’ve seen awards being used for political patronage, for financial gain, as well as the conferral of awards on serving public officials, which… should not happen.”
He said institutions that flout the new directive would face sanctions, adding that vice chancellors have been instructed to tighten procedures governing such awards.
Under the revised framework, universities will now be required to obtain prior approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) before conferring honorary degrees.
The policy marks a significant shift in oversight, as authorities seek to restore credibility to honorary distinctions and ensure they are reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions, rather than for political or financial considerations.
