The National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced sweeping new guidelines to regulate the award of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria, tightening controls to curb abuse, restore credibility, and protect the integrity of the university system.
Only approved universities that have graduated their first set of PhD students are eligible to award honorary degrees.
NUC restricts Dr
All honorary degree recipients are not permitted to use the title “Dr.” before their names. They must use the correct nomenclature after their names, such as Doctor of science (Honoris causa) D.Sc (H.c) The title “Dr.” is strictly reserved for earned academic PhDs and medical professionals.
NUC stops indiscriminate honorary doctorate degree issuance. Photo: officialnuc_
NUC says no pay-to-play
Honorary degrees must be awarded free of charge. There must be no fee or expectation of payment/donations from the recipient. The NUC outlawed any form of financial exchange tied to honorary degrees, firmly establishing that such recognitions must be awarded free of charge, without expectations of donations or payments.
NUC issues strict quotas
To further enforce discipline, universities are now limited to a maximum of three honorary degrees per convocation ceremony. Additionally, self-nominated individuals and serving public office holders, whether elected or appointed, are disqualified from consideration. Universities are limited to awarding a maximum of three (3) honorary degrees per convocation.
Commission excludes some candidates:
Self-nominated individuals and elected or appointed serving public officials are officially excluded from receiving these awards.
NUC gives directives on transparency and revocation
Universities must publish the names of all recipients on their official websites. Furthermore, institutions must have a “Revocation Policy” to withdraw awards if a recipient is convicted of fraud or unethical conduct.
Commission issues professional limits
An honorary degree does not grant the right to practice as a professional, oversee administrative units, or supervise research work in a university.
NUC issues regulatory enforcement
The NUC reiterates that these guidelines are mandatory. Any university found violating these rules including awarding degrees to unqualified persons or exceeding the numerical limit will face appropriate regulatory sanctions.
The Commission remains committed to protecting the global reputation and sanctity of the Nigerian University System.
Minister of Education reverses 18-year age university admission benchmark
In relation to the Nigerian education system, TrendIn earlier reported that the minister of education. Dr Tunji Alausa. announced the cancellation and reversal of the 18-year admission benchmark into tertiary institutions in Nigeria earlier announced by his predecessor Prof Tahir Mamman.
Alausa reversed the admission age benchmark for tertiary institutions from 18 to 16 years.
