By Peter Omopo
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued new guidelines regulating the conferment of honorary degrees in Nigerian universities, including a directive prohibiting recipients from using the title “Dr.” before their names.
The commission said the move is aimed at curbing what it described as the indiscriminate award of honorary titles and preserving the integrity of academic honours within the Nigerian university system.
Under the new rules, only universities that have successfully graduated their first set of PhD students are eligible to confer honorary degrees. The NUC also stated that recipients must use appropriate post-nominal designations such as Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), D.Sc (H.c), instead of the “Dr.” prefix, which it said is strictly reserved for individuals who have earned academic doctorates or are qualified medical professionals.
The guidelines further prohibit any form of financial exchange in the award process, stressing that honorary degrees must be conferred free of charge, with no expectation of payment or donations from recipients.
In addition, universities are restricted to awarding a maximum of three honorary degrees per convocation ceremony, while self-nominated individuals and serving public officials—whether elected or appointed—are barred from receiving such honours.
To ensure transparency, institutions are required to publish the names of recipients on their official websites and establish clear policies for revoking awards in cases where honourees are later found guilty of fraud or unethical conduct.
The commission also clarified that honorary degrees do not confer professional rights, noting that recipients cannot use the awards to practice in regulated professions, supervise academic research, or occupy administrative roles within universities.
The NUC warned that the guidelines are mandatory and that any institution found in violation—including awarding degrees to unqualified individuals or exceeding the approved quota—will face regulatory sanctions.
It added that the measures are part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the credibility and global reputation of Nigeria’s university system.
