Nigeria’s federal government has banned recipients of honorary degrees from using the title “Dr”, in a move aimed at curbing what officials describe as widespread abuse of academic honours.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council held on 30 April.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Mr Alausa said the measure was intended to restore the integrity of honorary degrees, which he said had increasingly been used for political and financial purposes.
“The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” he said.
He added: “We’ve seen awards being used for political patronage, for financial gain, and even conferred on serving public officials, which should not happen under the ethics guiding honorary degrees.”
Under the new directive, universities that fail to comply could face sanctions. Vice-chancellors have also been instructed to tighten the process for awarding honorary degrees.
A senior official at the National Universities Commission said the policy would “help restore public confidence in academic titles and ensure that honorary awards remain a symbol of genuine merit rather than influence.”
Going forward, all Nigerian universities must seek approval from the National Universities Commission before granting honorary titles.
Honorary degrees are traditionally awarded to recognise contributions to society, but do not carry the same academic requirements as earned doctorates.
The government says the new policy is part of broader efforts to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s higher education system.
