The federal government has approved new reforms regulating the award and use of honorary degrees in Nigerian universities.
The reforms aim to curb the abuse and commercialisation of honorary academic titles and restore credibility to the country’s higher education system.
Speaking after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, Maruf Tunji Alausa described the policy as a major step towards protecting academic integrity.
According to the minister, recipients of honorary degrees can no longer use the title “Dr” in official, academic or professional settings solely on the basis of honorary awards.
“Under the new framework, honorary degrees must be clearly designated as honoris causa and cannot be used as earned academic qualifications,” the statement reads.
“Recipients are also prohibited from using the title ‘Dr’ in any official, academic, or professional capacity solely on the basis of honorary awards.”
The government said violations of the directive would amount to academic fraud.
The new policy also states that honorary degrees will not qualify recipients for academic appointments, professional certifications or regulated professional practice.
In addition, only four recognised honorary degree categories will now be permitted nationwide.
The government further directed that only universities with established doctoral programmes can confer honorary degrees.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) will oversee the implementation of the reforms.
According to the policy, the commission will monitor compliance and publish an annual verified register of legitimate honorary degree recipients across the country.
