By Wale Afolabi
The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban preventing recipients of honorary degrees from adopting the “Dr” title, in a move aimed at restoring integrity to Nigeria’s academic system.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed the decision on Wednesday during a media briefing held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to him, the directive followed resolutions reached at a recent meeting of the Federal Executive Council, which took place on April 30.
Alausa explained that the policy shift was necessitated by what the government described as the growing abuse of honorary degree awards across the country. He noted that the practice, originally intended to recognise outstanding contributions to society, has increasingly been exploited for political patronage and, in some cases, financial gain.
He expressed concern that honorary degrees have been conferred on serving public officials and individuals without due consideration of established academic and ethical standards. Such practices, he said, undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s higher education system and diminish the value of genuine academic achievements.
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To address these concerns, the government has directed all universities to strictly adhere to new guidelines governing the award of honorary degrees. Institutions found violating the directive risk facing sanctions, while vice chancellors have been instructed to review and tighten internal processes.
As part of the reforms, universities will now be required to obtain prior approval from the National Universities Commission before conferring any honorary degree. The government believes this additional layer of oversight will help curb excesses and ensure that such honours are reserved for truly deserving individuals.
The directive marks a significant step by the Federal Government to sanitise the country’s academic honours system and reinforce ethical standards within tertiary institutions.
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