- NUC introduced strict rules to regulate honorary degree awards in universities
- Institutions were limited to awarding three honorary degrees per convocation
- Recipients were barred from using the “Dr.” title or gaining professional privileges
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has unveiled comprehensive new guidelines aimed at regulating the conferment of honorary degrees across Nigerian universities, in a move designed to curb what it described as the “indiscriminate” award of such honours.
The directive seeks to restore the integrity and prestige of honorary degrees by ensuring they are reserved for individuals of genuine distinction, rather than being treated as transactional accolades.
Tightened Eligibility Criteria
According to the new policy, only universities that have successfully graduated their first cohort of PhD students will be eligible to confer honorary degrees. This requirement is intended to ensure that only academically mature institutions can bestow such honours.
In addition, the NUC has imposed a strict limit on the number of honorary degrees that can be awarded. Universities are now permitted to confer no more than three honorary degrees per convocation ceremony.
Restrictions on the Use of ‘Dr.’ Title
A key provision of the guidelines is the prohibition of honorary degree recipients from using the title “Dr.” before their names. Instead, recipients must adopt the appropriate post-nominal format, such as Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), abbreviated as D.Sc (H.c).
The Commission emphasised that the “Dr.” title remains exclusively reserved for individuals who have earned academic doctorates or qualified as medical professionals.
Ban on Financial Influence
In a decisive move against monetisation, the NUC has prohibited any form of payment or donation in exchange for honorary degrees. The awards must be conferred strictly on merit, with no financial expectations placed on recipients.
Exclusion of Certain Candidates
The guidelines also exclude self-nominated individuals and serving public office holders—whether elected or appointed—from receiving honorary degrees. This provision aims to eliminate conflicts of interest and preserve the credibility of the awards.
Transparency and Accountability Measures
Universities are now required to publish the names of all honorary degree recipients on their official websites to ensure transparency. Furthermore, institutions must establish a clear revocation policy, allowing honorary degrees to be withdrawn if recipients are later found guilty of fraud or unethical conduct.
Limits on Professional Privileges
The NUC clarified that honorary degrees do not confer professional rights. Recipients are not permitted to practise in specialised fields, supervise academic research, or hold administrative positions within universities based solely on honorary recognition.
Enforcement and Sanctions
The Commission stressed that compliance with the guidelines is mandatory. Universities found in violation—whether by exceeding the quota or awarding degrees to unqualified individuals—will face regulatory sanctions.
The policy underscores the NUC’s commitment to safeguarding the reputation and global standing of Nigeria’s university system, ensuring that honorary degrees remain symbols of excellence and honour.