The National Universities Commission (NUC) has unveiled new guidelines aimed at regulating the award and proper use of honorary doctorate degrees across Nigerian universities.
The move comes in response to growing concerns over the indiscriminate conferment and misuse of such honors within the country’s higher education system.
In a statement posted on its official X page, the Commission said the guidelines were issued under its statutory powers outlined in the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“The NUC has observed, with grave concern, the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of honorary doctorate degrees.
In response, we have approved comprehensive guidelines to regulate the process, preserve academic integrity, and safeguard the credibility of Nigerian universities,” the statement read.
The guidelines provide clear rules on eligibility, nomination, and conferment of honorary doctorates. Key provisions include:
Institutional eligibility: Only accredited universities that have produced PhD graduates may award honorary degrees.
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Purpose and criteria: Awards must recognize exceptional merit and align with institutional values, ensuring diversity and transparency.
Recipient restrictions: Self-nominated candidates and current public officials are excluded.
Usage limitations: Recipients may use approved titles such as Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), but cannot adopt the “Dr.” prefix, supervise research, or practice professionally.
Publication and accountability: Universities must publish recipient names online and establish revocation procedures for misconduct.
Award limits: A maximum of three honorary doctorates may be conferred at each convocation.
Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, NUC Executive Secretary, emphasized that the framework aligns with established academic traditions, including the Keffi Declaration of 2012, and aims to foster transparency, accountability, and credibility in the honorary degree system.
The NUC also warned that institutions found violating the guidelines will face regulatory sanctions.