The federal government has officially banned recipients of honorary degrees from using the title 'Dr' before their names in any official, academic, or professional setting. This decision was announced on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during a briefing at the Presidential Villa.
New Regulations on Honorary Degrees
Alausa explained that the policy followed approval by the Federal Executive Council of a new national framework regulating honorary degree awards in Nigerian universities. The government expressed concern over the increasing abuse of honorary degrees, which were being used for political influence, financial advantage, and ceremonial prestige. Some public officials were awarded such titles in ways that undermine academic standards.
Misuse Classified as Academic Fraud
Authorities stated that any attempt to present honorary awards as earned academic qualifications will now be treated as academic fraud, with possible legal and reputational consequences. The new policy restricts honorary degrees to specific categories and introduces stricter oversight for Nigerian universities.
This crackdown aims to uphold the integrity of academic titles and ensure that honorary degrees are not misused for personal gain. The government emphasized that honorary degrees should be reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, not for those seeking unearned prestige.
