Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive set of guidelines regulating the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigerian universities, in a move aimed at curbing abuse, commercialisation and misuse of academic honours. The policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and developed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), was announced on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the guidelines were introduced to address growing concerns over the abuse, commercialisation and improper conferment of honorary academic awards. “The Federal Government has approved comprehensive Guidelines for the Award and Use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Nigeria to strengthen academic integrity, transparency, and the credibility of the university system,” the minister stated.
A major provision of the new policy prohibits elected and appointed public officials from being considered for honorary doctorate awards while in office. The guidelines also outlaw self-nominations, a move designed to curb lobbying and undue influence in the award process. The government further directed that nominees are not to be contacted or informed of their nomination until all approvals and security clearances have been completed, ensuring strict confidentiality in the nomination and screening stages.
Under the new framework, only universities that have successfully graduated their first set of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students will be eligible to confer honorary doctorate degrees. The policy also limits institutions to a maximum of three honorary awards per convocation ceremony, a measure designed to curb excessive and indiscriminate conferment of such honours. Institutions are also required to have their first set of PhD graduates before they can make any honorary awards.
All honorary doctorates must carry the designation “Honoris Causa” to clearly distinguish them from earned academic qualifications. A major provision of the policy prohibits recipients of honorary doctorates from using the title “Dr.” solely on the basis of the award. The ministry clarified that the title remains reserved for holders of earned doctoral qualifications and recognised medical degrees. “Honorary doctorate recipients may indicate the award using the approved designation but shall not represent themselves as holders of earned academic or professional doctorates,” the statement noted.
To ensure compliance, the guidelines establish oversight mechanisms, including a Special Fraud Unit under the NUC to monitor the conferment and use of honorary degrees across universities. The Inspector‑General of Police is expected to facilitate the establishment of the unit, which will be headed by a senior ranking police officer on secondment. The framework also requires universities to publicly disclose the names of honorary degree recipients on their official websites, provide orientation programmes for awardees on the proper use of the honours, and establish clear procedures for revoking awards where necessary.
The government further prohibited universities from charging fees or receiving financial inducements in connection with honorary degree awards, warning that such practices would attract sanctions. The policy also provides for the withdrawal of honorary doctorate degrees from recipients found guilty of fraud, corruption or other conduct deemed inconsistent with the values of the awarding institution.
The Federal Government warned that institutions found violating the guidelines could face severe sanctions. Penalties include suspension of resource verification exercises for up to two years, suspension of programme accreditation after three academic sessions from the year of violation, and possible dissolution of governing councils. The government directed strict compliance, warning that violations may attract sanctions including suspension of accreditation activities and dissolution of governing councils.
The approval follows months of debate over the growing use of honorary doctorate degrees by recipients who subsequently adopt the title “Dr” in public life. In January, a member of the House of Representatives, Solomon Bob, challenged the practice, arguing that honorary doctorate holders should not be addressed as doctors because honorary awards are distinct from earned doctoral qualifications. In February, the NUC issued earlier guidelines on the award and use of honorary doctorates, citing an increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of such honours. The commission had barred serving public office holders from receiving honorary doctorates while in office and said the measures were developed after consultations with universities.
The ministry said the reforms are intended to safeguard the sanctity of honorary academic distinctions and ensure that such awards remain symbols of excellence, integrity, service and outstanding contributions to national development. “With these guidelines, the Federal Government seeks to restore public confidence in honorary doctorate awards and strengthen the reputation of Nigerian universities both locally and internationally,” the statement added.
The policy has been met with approval from various stakeholders, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). However, some university administrators have expressed concern over the two-year suspension of resource verification for defaulting institutions, arguing that it could further weaken already struggling universities. The NUC has been directed to monitor compliance nationwide and enforce sanctions where necessary.
As the guidelines take immediate effect, universities across the country are expected to adjust their convocation plans accordingly. For the many Nigerians who have long complained about the indiscriminate awarding of honorary degrees to politicians and wealthy individuals who have not earned the recognition, the new policy represents a long-awaited course correction. But for the institutions that have relied on honorary awards as a fundraising tool, the new limits may require a fundamental shift in how they engage with potential benefactors.
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