NIGERIA: FG Approves Strict Guidelines for Honorary Doctorate Degrees

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Federal Government has approved comprehensive guidelines for the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria as part of efforts to restore credibility, transparency, and integrity within the country’s university system.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed that the policy was developed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and approved by the Federal Executive Council to address concerns over the abuse, commercialization, and misuse of honorary awards.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

According to the Minister, the new framework establishes clear rules governing the eligibility, nomination, approval, conferment, usage, and revocation of honorary doctorate degrees across Nigerian universities.

The guidelines restrict the award of honorary degrees to universities that have graduated their first set of PhD students and limit institutions to a maximum of three honorary doctorate awards per convocation ceremony.

“The policy addresses concerns over abuse, commercialization, and misuse of honorary awards.”

Under the new regulations, all honorary doctorate degrees must bear the designation “Honoris Causa”, while recipients are prohibited from using the title “Dr.” based solely on the honorary award.

The policy also introduces stronger oversight mechanisms, including the establishment of a Special Fraud Unit under the NUC to monitor compliance and ensure adherence to the guidelines.

Universities have been directed to publish the names of honorary degree recipients, provide orientation programmes for awardees, and establish procedures for the revocation of awards where necessary.

The Federal Government warned that institutions that fail to comply with the guidelines may face sanctions, including the suspension of accreditation activities and the dissolution of governing councils.

Dr. Alausa said the measures are aimed at preserving the sanctity of academic honours and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s higher education system.