Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has read the riot act to various universities issuing inordinate honorary doctorate degrees to individuals in the country, saying that, such institutions would be sanctioned if they don’t desist from it forthwith.
In a statement issued by the commission, it warned against the “increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse” of honorary doctorate degrees, a practice it said is gradually eroding the credibility of Nigerian universities.
The NUC said it would not stop to invoke its regulatory powers, stressing that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on any institution that violates its guidelines on honorary awards.
The commission also warned individuals who parade or misuse honorary titles, noting that such actions undermine academic standards and public trust in the nation’s higher education system.
Although the statement did not name any university, the warning signals a renewed push by the regulator to tighten compliance and restore integrity to academic honours.
Honorary doctorate degrees are traditionally conferred on distinguished individuals in recognition of exceptional contributions to society.
However, the NUC’s latest intervention suggests concerns that the practice is being trivialised.
Further details are expected from the commission on enforcement measures and institutions under review.
