FG Bans 'Dr' Prefix for Honorary Degree Holders

On Wednesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced a ban on the use of the 'Dr' prefix by recipients of honorary degrees, declaring it a misrepresentation of academic credentials. Minister of Education Tunji Alausa disclosed this decision at a briefing in Abuja, following approval from the Federal Executive Council.

The new policy aims to address the increasing abuse of honorary degrees, often conferred for political patronage or financial gain, and to restore public confidence in academic titles. Recipients of honorary degrees will now be required to cite their full honorary designation without the 'Dr' prefix.

Alausa provided examples, such as Chief Louis Clark, who holds a Doctor of Literature honoris causa. The Nigerian Universities Commission will issue guidelines to ensure compliance and monitor the implementation of this policy, which is intended to curb the proliferation of institutions awarding honorary degrees without proper academic merit.