The National Universities Commission (NUC) has unveiled new guidelines to regulate the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria, warning that institutions engaging in indiscriminate conferment risk facing sanctions.
In a public notice shared on its official X page, the commission said the framework was approved under its statutory powers as outlined in the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The NUC expressed “grave concern” over what it described as the growing misuse and unchecked award of honorary doctorates across the Nigerian University System. According to the commission, the new guidelines are designed to protect academic integrity, strengthen institutional accountability, and safeguard the global reputation of Nigerian universities.
The commission emphasised that honorary doctorate degrees — whether awarded locally or internationally — remain honorary distinctions and are not equivalent to earned academic doctorates.
Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, stated that the guidelines were developed in line with long-standing academic traditions, including resolutions from the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities as captured in the 2012 Keffi Declaration, alongside submissions from universities in December 2025.
An investigation referenced in reports uncovered widespread abuse of honorary titles, including 32 entities operating as “degree mills.” These reportedly involved unaccredited foreign institutions, unlicensed local bodies, and professional organisations lacking degree-awarding powers — some allegedly issuing fake professorships.
Key Provisions of the New Guidelines
Under the new framework:
Eligibility: Only accredited public and private universities in Nigeria may confer honorary doctorate degrees. Institutions must have graduated at least one set of PhD students before qualifying to award such honours.
Purpose: Awards must recognise exceptional and sustained contributions, reflect institutional values, and promote diversity.
Transparent Criteria: Selection processes must be clearly defined and publicly accessible on institutional websites.
Recipient Restrictions: Self-nominated candidates and serving elected or appointed public officials are not eligible.
Approval Process: All nominations must pass through statutory committees and receive approval from both the University Senate and Governing Council.
Limit on Awards: Universities may confer no more than three honorary doctorates per convocation.
Nomenclature: All awards must carry the designation Honoris Causa, such as Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) or D.Sc. (h.c.).
No Fees: Honorary degrees must be conferred without payment or financial expectatio.
Use of Title: Recipients may use the approved honorary designation but are prohibited from using the title “Dr.”, which is reserved for holders of earned doctorates and medical professionals.
Professional Limitations: Honorary degree holders cannot use the award to practise professionally, supervise research, or oversee administrative academic units.
Transparency Measures: Universities must publish names of recipients on their official websites.
Revocation Policy: Institutions must establish formal mechanisms to withdraw awards if recipients are convicted of fraud or engage in conduct inconsistent with institutional values.
The NUC reiterated that strict compliance is mandatory and warned that regulatory sanctions would be imposed on institutions found violating the guidelines.
