NUC Introduces Strict Guidelines for Honorary Doctorates in Nigeria

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has released new rules to regulate how honorary doctorate degrees are awarded and used across Nigerian universities. The move aims to prevent misuse and ensure that these honours retain their prestige.

The Commission emphasized that honorary doctorates are symbolic recognitions and not academic qualifications earned through study or research.

Key points of the new guidelines include:

Only accredited Nigerian universities that have produced at least one cohort of PhD graduates can award honorary doctorates.

The number of honorary awards at any convocation will be limited.

Honorary degrees must be conferred without any fees from recipients.

Titles must clearly include honoris causa, and recipients are not allowed to use the title “Dr” in academic, professional, or official settings.

Recipients cannot supervise research, teach, or hold academic administrative positions based on the honorary degree.

Universities must publish lists of awardees publicly and set up processes to revoke honours if recipients act unethically.

The NUC has warned that institutions or individuals who fail to comply with the guidelines will face sanctions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to uphold academic standards and curb dubious practices linked to honorary degrees in Nigeria.