The National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced stricter rules for honorary degrees in Nigerian universities. Recipients are now prohibited from using the “Dr.” title.
The reforms aim to protect academic integrity and prevent the misuse of honorary degrees, which have reduced the value of real academic achievements.
Only universities that have graduated their first PhD cohort can confer honorary degrees. This rule excludes newer institutions from awarding these honours.
Honorary degree holders must use post-nominal titles like D.Sc (H.C.) Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) instead of “Dr.” NUC stressed that the traditional “Dr.” title remains reserved for earned doctorates and certified medical professionals.
Additional rules include:
No payments or inducements; awards must be based on merit, Maximum of three honorary degrees per convocation, Self-nomination and public officials are barred, Universities must publish recipients’ names publicly and Degrees carry no professional or academic privileges.
NUC warned that institutions failing to follow these guidelines will face penalties. The commission emphasized that these reforms aim to restore respect for academic honours and ensure that honorary degrees recognize genuine achievement, not prestige without merit.
