The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued new guidelines regulating the conferment and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria, amid growing concerns over their indiscriminate award and misuse.
In a public notice released on its official X page on Thursday, the Commission said the guidelines were approved in line with its statutory powers under the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The NUC expressed “grave concern” over what it described as the increasing and indiscriminate conferment of honorary doctorate degrees within the Nigerian university system.
“The National Universities Commission (NUC), by virtue of the provisions of the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and in the discharge of its statutory responsibility to ensure the orderly development of university education in Nigeria, hereby issues this Public Notice,” the statement read.
It added that the Commission’s management had approved comprehensive guidelines to regulate the award and usage of honorary doctorates across the country.
According to the NUC, the new framework is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the conferment process, preserving academic standards, and protecting the credibility and global reputation of Nigeria’s university system.
The Commission directed all universities and other degree-awarding institutions to comply strictly with the new provisions, warning that regulatory sanctions would be imposed on institutions or individuals found to be in violation.
It also reminded the public that honorary doctorate degrees whether awarded in Nigeria or abroad are purely ceremonial distinctions and should not be regarded as equivalent to earned academic doctorate qualifications.
