By Jimmy Jackson
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced a strict ban on the award of honorary doctorate degrees to serving public officials, as part of new measures to curb what it calls the “growing abuse” of such titles across Nigeria.
Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, NUC Executive Secretary, made the declaration on Friday in Abuja while receiving a committee report on the misuse of honorary degrees, said the decision followed a nationwide investigation that uncovered rampant malpractice, including the activities of 32 institutions operating as honorary degree mills.
He explained that the investigation revealed widespread violations of the Keffi Declaration of 2012, an agreement by Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities to regulate the award of honorary degrees. The declaration forbids universities from honouring serving public officials and cautions recipients against using the title Dr without proper clarification.
“This is not just a matter of ethics, legally using the title Dr based on an honorary degree without clear disclosure amounts to false representation, and this is punishable under various fraud related laws in Nigeria.” he revealed
He warned that misuse of honorary titles undermines the integrity of universities and weakens public trust in genuine academic qualifications.
According to the report, 32 institutions were identified as operating as honorary degree mills. They include 10 unaccredited foreign universities, four unlicensed local universities, 15 professional bodies with no degree awarding powers, and three other institutions that also issue fake professorships.
Ribadu disclosed that the Commission has developed a national guideline for awarding and using honorary degrees, which will soon be published. He also announced that the NUC will launch a coordinated crackdown on illegal degree mills in collaboration with law enforcement and other relevant government agencies.
“We are soliciting the support of all stakeholders, relevant government agencies, and the public in restoring honour to our honorary degrees. Let us defend the dignity of Nigerian higher education.”
