NUC clamps down on misuse of Honorary Doctorates in Nigerian Universities

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerian universities over the improper conferment and use of honorary doctorate degrees, introducing measures to prevent public officials and others from misrepresenting such titles.

In a statement, NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu said the regulator was taking action after a special investigative committee uncovered widespread misuse of honorary doctorates in several institutions. The probe identified unaccredited universities, professional bodies without degree-awarding powers, and other organizations issuing bogus professorships.

“While honorary degrees are intended to recognize meritorious service, the misuse of the ‘Dr’ title erodes trust in Nigeria’s academic system,” Ribadu said.

New Regulations
Under the new guidelines:
-Honorary doctorates cannot be awarded to serving public officials.
-Recipients must avoid using the title ‘Dr.’ in professional or academic settings; instead, they may indicate the honor with designations such as Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa).
-Holders of honorary degrees are barred from supervising academic research, teaching, or holding administrative academic positions.
-The NUC will exercise closer oversight over the conferment of honorary titles.

The commission emphasized that individuals misusing the title could face sanctions under Nigerian law for false representation. The move also reinforces compliance with the Keffi Declaration (2012), which sets clear standards for awarding honorary degrees.

The crackdown comes amid rising concern over the “commercialisation” of academic titles, with reports of politicians and business elites using honorary doctorates to boost prestige or influence. Veteran journalist Reuben Abati has criticized the trend, warning that it threatens the credibility of Nigerian higher education.

NUC’s intervention aims to protect the integrity of academic awards, ensure honorary degrees are conferred solely on merit, and restore public confidence in Nigerian universities.