FG bans 'Dr' title for honorary doctorate holders, sets strict award limits
The Nigerian government has approved new regulations prohibiting recipients of honorary doctorates from using the title 'Dr', aiming to curb abuse and commercialisation of the honours. Approved by the Federal Executive Council, the policy requires universities to have graduated their first PhD students before awarding honorary degrees and limits institutions to a maximum of three such awards per convocation ceremony.
Announcing the framework, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa (via spokesperson Folashade Boriowo) said it strengthens academic integrity and transparency, addressing concerns about misuse of honorary awards. The guidelines build on February's National Universities Commission directives which barred serving public office holders from receiving honorary degrees while in office.
Key enforcement measures include a Special Fraud Unit under the NUC to monitor compliance, mandatory publication of recipients' names, and orientation for awardees. Violations risk sanctions including suspension of accreditation activities or dissolution of university governing councils. The policy also mandates that all honorary degrees carry the 'Honoris Causa' designation to distinguish them from earned doctorates.
With these restrictions now in effect, will universities adjust their awarding practices immediately, and how will professionals who previously used the 'Dr' title from honorary degrees adapt to this change in professional and social contexts?