NUC Introduces Strict Guidelines to Regulate Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Nigeria
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced new guidelines to regulate the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria. This move comes in response to growing concerns over the indiscriminate conferment and misuse of such honors within the Nigerian University System.
Legal Backing and Purpose of the Guidelines
In a public notice released on its official X page on February 26, the NUC stated that the guidelines were approved under the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The Commission explained that the new framework is designed to regulate the conferment process, preserve academic integrity, and safeguard the credibility and global reputation of Nigerian universities.
Clarification on Honorary Degrees
The NUC reminded the public that honorary doctorate degrees, whether awarded in Nigeria or abroad, are honorary distinctions and should not be regarded as equivalent to earned academic doctorate qualifications. It described them as non-earned doctoral degrees awarded honoris causa, for the sake of honor, to acknowledge distinguished merit, outstanding public service, scholarly impact, creative achievement, or significant contributions that reflect the values and mission of the awarding institution.
Key Provisions of the New Guidelines
The Commission has outlined several key provisions to ensure compliance and transparency:
- Institutional Eligibility: Only approved universities, whether public or private, are eligible to award honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.
- Maturity Requirement: Universities must have graduated their first set of PhD students before they can award honorary doctorate degrees.
- Recipient Eligibility: Self-nominated candidates and elected or appointed serving public officials are excluded from receiving these awards.
- Number of Awards: The number of awards at each convocation shall not exceed three.
- Nomenclature and Title: All honorary doctorate degrees must contain the nomenclature or title Honoris Causa, such as Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). Recipients are not permitted to use the title "Dr.," which is reserved for holders of earned degrees and medical professionals.
- No Fee Policy: Honorary doctorate degrees shall be conferred without any fee or expectation of payment from the recipient.
- Usage Restrictions: Recipients cannot use honorary degrees to practice as scholars or professionals, oversee administrative units, or supervise research work.
- Transparency Measures: Universities must regularly publish the names of honorary doctorate degree recipients on their official websites and provide a formal mechanism to rescind awards if a recipient is convicted of fraud or engages in unethical conduct.
Input from Academic Leaders and Investigation Findings
Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, stated that the guidelines were developed with due regard to established academic traditions in Nigeria, including the resolutions of the Association of the Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities as articulated in the Keffi Declaration of 2012, and inputs submitted by universities in December 2025. He added that the framework aims to provide informed policy direction, strengthen institutional practices, and promote a more transparent and accountable system.
The Commission launched the guidelines after an investigation revealed widespread misuse of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria. The inquiry, covering 61 institutions and professional bodies, found 32 entities operating as honorary degree mills, including unaccredited foreign universities, unlicensed local universities, and professional bodies with no degree-awarding powers. Some were even issuing fake professorships.
Sanctions and Compliance
The NUC directed all universities and other degree-awarding institutions to strictly comply with the provisions of the new guidelines. It warned that sanctions would be imposed on institutions and individuals who violate the rules. This move is part of broader efforts to restore order and credibility to the Nigerian University System, which has been tarnished by the proliferation of fake degrees and unethical practices.
Background on Fake Universities
In related news, the NUC has previously issued warnings about 58 fake universities operating illegally across Nigeria. These institutions are not accredited and have been operating without approval, putting unsuspecting students at risk of obtaining invalid degrees. The commission confirmed that appropriate law enforcement agencies have been notified to take necessary action against these entities.
The new guidelines align with the NUC's statutory responsibility to ensure the orderly development of university education in Nigeria and reflect a commitment to upholding academic standards and integrity in the face of growing challenges.
