FG limits honorary doctorate awards to three per convocation

The federal government has introduced new guidelines to curb the abuse and commercialization of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigerian universities, placing a strict cap on awards per convocation as part of efforts to restore academic credibility.

Under the new policy, universities are now restricted to awarding a maximum of three honorary doctorate degrees per convocation ceremony.

The guidelines, approved by the Federal Ministry of Education following recommendations from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and endorsement by the Federal Executive Council, also tighten eligibility, approval, and usage standards for honorary degrees across Nigerian universities.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa in a statement on Wednesday, said the reform became necessary due to rising concerns over the misuse of honorary doctorate awards.

“The policy became necessary in response to growing concerns over the abuse, commercialization, and misuse of honorary doctorate awards, which have increasingly undermined the prestige and value of academic honours in Nigeria,” he said.

According to the framework, only accredited universities that have produced at least one set of PhD graduates will be eligible to confer honorary doctorates, while all nominations must receive clearance from the NUC in collaboration with a special monitoring unit before approval.

Serving elected and appointed public officials are also barred from receiving honorary doctorate degrees under the new rules.

The policy further prohibits recipients from using the title “Dr.”, stating that it is reserved strictly for holders of earned doctoral and medical qualifications. However, honorary degree holders may append designations such as D.Sc. (h.c.) or LL.D. (h.c.) to their names.