The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued comprehensive guidelines to regulate the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria, warning that institutions and individuals found violating the rules will face sanctions.
In a statement on Thursday, the commission released a 16-point guideline, aligning the decision with the provisions of the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), and its statutory responsibilities.
“The commission has observed, with grave concern, the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees within the Nigerian University System,” the statement said.
“In response to this development, the management of the commission has approved comprehensive guidelines for the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria. The guidelines are intended to regulate the conferment process, preserve academic integrity and safeguard the credibility of the Nigerian University System.”
The commission directed all Nigerian universities and other degree-awarding institutions to strictly adhere to the approved provisions, noting that the directive is consistent with the principles enshrined in the Keffi Declaration of 2012, to which all vice-chancellors are signatories.
It emphasised that honorary doctorate degrees, whether awarded within Nigeria or abroad, are distinctions and should not be represented or regarded as equivalent to earned academic doctorates.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission reiterates that these guidelines have been issued to protect the sanctity, integrity and global reputation of the Nigerian university system,” the statement added.
“All stakeholders are therefore expected to comply fully with the laid-down procedures governing the conferment and use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees. Please note that appropriate regulatory sanctions shall be imposed on any institution found to have violated the NUC-approved Guidelines, as well as on individuals who misuse honorary titles.”
The move comes amid growing concern over the proliferation of honorary degrees that are often conferred without clear standards, potentially undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s higher education system.
Boluwatife Enome
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