The Federal Government has approved new guidelines governing the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen academic integrity, promote transparency, and restore confidence in the nation’s university system.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced that the policy was developed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and subsequently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to the minister, the guidelines are designed to address growing concerns over the abuse, commercialization, and misuse of honorary academic awards in the country.
Under the new framework, only universities that have successfully graduated their first set of PhD students will be eligible to confer honorary doctorate degrees. The guidelines also limit institutions to awarding a maximum of three honorary doctorates per convocation ceremony.
The policy further stipulates that all honorary doctorate awards must bear the designation “Honoris Causa” and prohibits recipients from using the title “Dr.” on the basis of such awards.
To ensure compliance, the government has introduced oversight measures, including the establishment of a Special Fraud Unit under the NUC to monitor adherence to the guidelines and investigate violations.
Universities will also be required to publicly disclose the names of honorary degree recipients, provide orientation for awardees on the proper use of the honours, and implement procedures for revoking awards where necessary.
The Federal Government directed all universities to comply strictly with the new regulations, warning that institutions found in violation could face sanctions, including the suspension of accreditation activities and the dissolution of governing councils.
Officials said the policy forms part of broader efforts to uphold academic standards and preserve the integrity and global reputation of Nigerian universities.
