The National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised alarm over the rising cases of indiscriminate awarding and misuse of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigerian universities.
In a statement on Thursday, the commission warned that any institution flouting its guidelines or individuals misrepresenting honorary titles will face strict sanctions.
The NUC unveiled a 16-point guideline governing the conferment and use of honorary doctorates, citing its authority under the Education Act (CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004). The move aims to protect academic integrity and uphold the credibility of the Nigerian university system.
“Honorary degrees, whether awarded locally or abroad, are distinctions and not equivalent to earned academic doctorates,” the commission emphasized.
Vice-chancellors and all degree-awarding institutions have been instructed to comply fully with the guidelines, which also align with the principles of the Keffi Declaration of 2012.
The NUC added that regulatory measures would be enforced on any institution or individual found violating the rules, reinforcing its commitment to safeguard the reputation of Nigerian universities both at home and internationally.
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