…moves to protect the integrity of the Nigerian university system
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced comprehensive new standards regulating the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria, warning that recipients must not use the title “Dr.” as the distinction is reserved for holders of earned academic doctorates and medical professionals.
The directive was contained in a public notice issued by Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the Commission, on Thursday, who expressed concern over what the Commission described as the growing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of honorary doctorate degrees within the Nigerian University System.
According to the NUC, the new Guidelines for the Award and Use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Nigeria were developed in line with its statutory powers under the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“The Commission has observed, with grave concern, the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees within the Nigerian University System. In response to this development, the Management of the Commission has approved comprehensive Guidelines for the Award and Use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Nigeria.
“The Guidelines are intended to regulate the conferment process, preserve academic integrity and safeguard the credibility of the Nigerian University System,” the notice read
The Commission said the framework is aimed at preserving academic integrity, strengthening institutional practices, and safeguarding the credibility and global reputation of Nigerian universities.
Under the new standards, only approved universities, public or private, that have graduated their first set of PhD students are eligible to confer honorary doctorate degrees. The number of awards per convocation has also been capped at three.
The Commission further stipulated that self-nominated candidates and serving elected or appointed public officials are not eligible for the award.
It also mandated that all nominations must pass through statutory committees and receive approval from both the University Senate and Governing Council before any recipient is contacted.
On usage, the NUC clarified that recipients may append the approved honorary designation, such as “Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa)” or “D.Sc. (h.c.)” to their names.
However, they are expressly prohibited from using the prefix “Dr.” or deploying the honorary award to practice as scholars or professionals, supervise research, or oversee administrative units.
The guidelines also require universities to publish the names of honorary doctorate recipients on their official websites to ensure transparency, provide proper orientation to awardees, and establish formal mechanisms for revoking awards where recipients are convicted of fraud or engage in conduct inconsistent with institutional values.
The Commission warned that appropriate regulatory sanctions would be imposed on any institution found to have violated the approved guidelines, as well as on individuals who misuse honorary titles.
“Please note that appropriate regulatory sanctions shall be imposed on any institution found to have violated the NUC-approved Guidelines, as well as on individuals who misuse honorary titles. By this Notice, all concerned are advised accordingly,” the commission noted
The NUC said the new measures are consistent with established academic traditions and the principles of the 2012 Keffi Declaration by Vice-Chancellors, adding that all stakeholders are expected to comply fully to protect the sanctity and integrity of the Nigerian University System.
