No More ‘Dr’ Title: NUC Cracks Down on Honorary Degree Holders
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has barred recipients of honorary degrees from using the “Dr.” title, in a sweeping move to protect academic integrity in Nigeria.
The directive is part of new guidelines aimed at curbing the growing abuse and indiscriminate conferment of honorary doctorate degrees across Nigerian universities.
What the New Rule Says
According to the NUC:
- Honorary degree holders must not prefix their names with “Dr.”
- Instead, they are to use appropriate designations such as D.Sc (Honoris Causa) after their names
- The “Dr.” title is strictly reserved for those who have earned doctoral degrees or are qualified medical professionals
Why the Crackdown?
The commission said the move is necessary to:
- Stop misuse of honorary titles
- Preserve the value of academic achievements
- Restore credibility to Nigeria’s university system
Officials expressed concern over the rising trend where honorary awards are treated as equivalent to earned academic qualifications.
Stricter Rules for Universities
The new guidelines also introduce:
- A limit of three honorary degrees per convocation
- A ban on charging fees for such awards
- Restriction on serving public officials and self-nominated candidates
- Requirement for transparency, including publishing recipients’ names
The NUC warned that institutions violating these rules risk sanctions.
Big Picture
Education experts say the policy is a major step toward restoring discipline in Nigeria’s academic space, especially amid concerns over “title inflation” and the commercialization of honorary degrees.
Observers believe the enforcement of these rules will help distinguish clearly between earned academic excellence and ceremonial recognition.
Source: Watchtower Media