The Federal Government has introduced a new directive prohibiting individuals awarded honorary degrees from using the title “Dr” in any official, academic, or professional setting.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during a media briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. He disclosed that the decision received approval at a Federal Executive Council meeting held on April 30.
According to the minister, the policy aims to curb what authorities describe as the increasing misuse of honorary degrees across the country. He noted that such awards, originally intended to recognise outstanding contributions to society, have in recent times been influenced by political connections and financial considerations.
“The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing ab¥se and politicisation of this academic privilege. We’ve seen awards being used for political patronage, for financial gain, as well as the conferral of awards on serving public officials, which, as part of the ethics of honorary degree awards, should not happen.”
He further warned that universities or institutions that fail to comply with the new directive risk facing sanctions. Vice Chancellors have also been instructed to enforce stricter oversight and ensure uniform standards in the awarding of honorary degrees.
In addition, the minister revealed that all universities will now be required to obtain prior approval from the Nigerian Universities Commission before conferring honorary degrees, a move aimed at tightening regulation and restoring credibility to the system.
The directive marks a significant shift in how honorary academic titles are recognised in Nigeria, as the government seeks to protect the integrity of academic honours and prevent further abuse.
