The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued a warning about the “increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse” of honorary doctorate degrees in the Nigerian university system.
The panel stated that appropriate punishments will be applied on any institution found to have breached the NUC norms, as well as people who abuse honorary titles.
On Thursday, the commission issued a 16-point guideline for the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees, stating that the decision is consistent 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 responsibility.
“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 reads.
“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 urged all Nigerian universities and other degree-granting institutions to closely comply to the approved rules, adding that the mandate is compatible with the ideals expressed in the Keffi Declaration of 2012, which all vice-chancellors have signed.
It further stated that honorary doctorate degrees, whether conferred in Nigeria or elsewhere, are distinctions and should not be portrayed or considered comparable 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.”
