The National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced new regulations governing the award of honorary degrees in Nigerian universities, including a strict directive prohibiting recipients from using the “Dr.” title.
According to the Commission, the move is aimed at addressing the growing misuse and indiscriminate awarding of honorary degrees, which it says has weakened the credibility of academic distinctions in the country.
Under the new guidelines, only universities that have successfully graduated their first set of PhD students will be permitted to confer honorary degrees. This effectively excludes newer institutions from awarding such honours.
The NUC further clarified that individuals who receive honorary degrees must not prefix their names with “Dr.” Instead, they are expected to use appropriate post-nominal titles such as Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) or D.Sc (H.C), where applicable. It stressed that the “Dr.” title is strictly reserved for holders of earned doctoral degrees or licensed medical practitioners.
The Commission also banned any form of financial inducement in the awarding of honorary degrees, insisting that such recognitions must be based purely on merit and awarded free of charge.
In addition, universities are now restricted to a maximum of three honorary degree recipients per convocation ceremony. Serving public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as self-nominated individuals, are also barred from receiving honorary awards.
To ensure accountability, institutions are required to publish the names of honorary degree recipients on their official websites and establish procedures for revoking such honours where recipients are later found guilty of misconduct.
The NUC emphasized that honorary degrees do not confer academic or professional privileges, including eligibility to practice regulated professions, supervise research, or hold academic administrative positions.
It warned that any institution that fails to comply with the new regulations will face appropriate sanctions.
The Commission said the reforms are part of efforts to protect the integrity, credibility, and global reputation of Nigeria’s university system, stressing that academic honours must reflect merit, excellence, and proper standards.
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