Nigeria Regulates Honorary Doctorate Degree Awards

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved comprehensive guidelines to regulate the awarding of honorary doctorate degrees as part of efforts to restore credibility and integrity within the university system. The new policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council, introduces strict rules governing eligibility for nominations and the conferment of honorary degrees.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, stated that these guidelines were developed in response to growing concerns about the commercialization and misuse of honorary academic awards. The guidelines, which were approved by the Federal Executive Council, set clear rules for eligibility and the revocation of honorary degrees.

Institutions are restricted to awarding a maximum of three honorary doctorates during convocation ceremonies. Recipients of honorary degrees are prohibited from using the title "Dr." solely based on receiving the honorary award.

The guidelines also establish an oversight mechanism, including a special fraud unit within the National Universities Commission (NUC) to monitor compliance. Institutions failing to adhere to these guidelines may face sanctions, including suspension of accreditation.