The National Universities Commission (NUC) has formally barred recipients of honorary doctorates from using the title “Dr.” before their names, in a sweeping reform aimed at restoring the integrity of academic honours in Nigeria.
The directive is part of newly issued guidelines regulating the award and use of honorary degrees across Nigerian universities.
According to the Commission, honorary degree holders must no longer prefix their names with “Dr.”, but instead adopt appropriate post-nominal forms such as D.Sc (Honoris Causa). It stressed that the “Dr.” title is strictly reserved for individuals who have earned doctoral degrees or are certified medical professionals.
NUC explains rationale
The Commission said the move was necessitated by the growing abuse of honorary awards in the country.
It noted that the “indiscriminate conferment” of such honours has “undermined the value of genuine academic distinctions.”
In a broader statement, the NUC described honorary degrees as “honorary distinctions” that should not be treated as equivalent to earned academic qualifications.
The guidelines also introduced stricter conditions, including:
- Limiting universities to a maximum of three honorary degrees per convocation
- Barring serving public officials and self-nominated candidates
- Prohibiting financial inducement or payment for awards
- Requiring institutions to publish recipients’ names and create revocation mechanisms
The Commission further warned that institutions that violate the rules would face regulatory sanctions.
“No academic or professional privileges”
Reinforcing its position, the NUC clarified that honorary degrees do not confer any academic or professional rights.
Recipients, it said, cannot use such awards to “practise in regulated fields, supervise research, or hold administrative positions” in universities.
Stakeholders react
The policy has generated immediate reactions across Nigeria’s education and public space.
Some academics have welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue.
A university lecturer in Abuja, Dr. Musa Ibrahim, said the directive would help “restore dignity to earned doctorates,” noting that the misuse of the title had blurred distinctions between scholarship and ceremonial recognition.
Similarly, an education policy analyst, Mrs. Tolu Adeyemi, argued that the reform would strengthen Nigeria’s global academic credibility, adding that “titles must reflect competence, not courtesy.”
However, not all reactions have been favourable.
Some public commentators and honorary award recipients have expressed concern that the directive could diminish the symbolic value of such honours, especially for individuals recognised for contributions outside academia.
Others have pointed to the need for consistent enforcement, warning that past regulations in the education sector have often suffered from weak implementation.
Wider implications
Analysts say the NUC’s decision signals a broader attempt to reposition Nigeria’s university system amid concerns over declining standards and credibility.
By drawing a clear line between earned and honorary qualifications, the Commission appears to be addressing a long-standing cultural practice where honorary titles are frequently adopted as formal credentials.
For many observers, the real test will lie not in the announcement but in enforcement.
As one academic put it, “This policy is important, but its success depends on whether institutions and society are willing to take it seriously.”
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