NUC Bans Honorary Degrees for Nigerian Public Officials Due to Abuse

The National Universities Commission (NUC) in Nigeria has taken a significant step to curb the abuse of honorary doctorate degrees by banning their award to public officials. Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the NUC Executive Secretary, announced the decision following a nationwide investigation that uncovered rampant manipulation and fraudulent conferment of honorary titles.

The investigation identified 32 entities operating diploma mills in the country, including unaccredited foreign universities and unlicensed local institutions. The misuse of honorary titles undermines the integrity of the university system and recipients are warned against using the title "Dr." without proper clarification.