Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) has rolled out tough new rules to stop the misuse of honorary degrees and protect academic integrity. The goal is to end random awards that cheapen real scholarly achievements.
Key changes include:
- Only universities that have produced their first batch of PhD graduates can award honorary degrees, sidelining newer schools.
- Recipients can’t use “Dr.” before their names; they must stick to post-nominals like D.Sc (H.C.). The “Dr.” title stays exclusive to earned doctorate holders and licensed doctors.
- No payments or bribes allowed—awards must be merit-based and free.
- Universities capped at three honorary degrees per convocation.
- Bans self-nominations and awards to active public officials (elected or appointed).
- Institutions must post recipient lists online and set up ways to strip honors from those guilty of wrongdoing later.
- These degrees grant no academic perks, like practicing professions, supervising research, or university admin roles.
Non-compliant universities face penalties. The NUC says these steps safeguard Nigeria’s higher education reputation by tying honors to true merit and excellence.
