NUC’s move to regulate honorary degrees

The decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to issue new guidelines regulating the conferment and use of honorary doctorate degrees is a welcome step towards restoring dignity to a system that has, for years, been widely abused. What remains to be seen, however, is whether the directive will be firmly enforced so that it […]

The decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to issue new guidelines regulating the conferment and use of honorary doctorate degrees is a welcome step towards restoring dignity to a system that has, for years, been widely abused. What remains to be seen, however, is whether the directive will be firmly enforced so that it marks the beginning of genuine reform within the Nigerian university system.

In a public notice issued on February 26, the commission said it had observed “with grave concern” the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of honorary doctorate degrees within the Nigerian University System. In response, the commission approved comprehensive guidelines aimed at regulating the conferment process, preserving academic integrity and safeguarding the credibility of the system.

The directive requires all universities and degree-awarding institutions to strictly adhere to the provisions of the guidelines. The NUC also reminded the public that honorary doctorates, whether awarded within Nigeria or abroad, are honorary distinctions and should not be represented or regarded as equivalent to earned academic doctorate qualifications.

One of the most notable provisions in the new guidelines concerns eligibility for recipients. The rules expressly exclude self-nominated candidates as well as elected or appointed serving public officials. This provision is particularly significant. In recent years, it has become almost routine for politicians and public officials, especially during election cycles, to acquire honorary doctorates as a means of embellishing their public image and boosting political credentials. By prohibiting such practices, the NUC has taken an important step towards curbing this abuse.

Equally important is the clarification regarding the use of honorary titles. The commission has made it clear that recipients of honorary doctorates are not permitted to use the prefix “Dr,” which is reserved for individuals who have earned doctoral degrees through academic research or for medical professionals. Instead, recipients may use the approved nomenclature associated with the honorary award, such as Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) or LL.D. (h.c.), and Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) or D.Litt. (h.c.), placed after their names.

Traditionally, universities confer honorary degrees to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society or to specific fields such as science, literature, public service, business, philanthropy or leadership. While the criteria may vary among institutions, common considerations usually include exceptional achievement, significant service to humanity, alignment with the university’s values and mission, and demonstrable national or international impact.

In essence, the award of an honorary degree is meant to celebrate excellence and inspire society. It allows universities to recognise individuals whose accomplishments embody values such as innovation, service, integrity and intellectual leadership. In doing so, such honours also help promote role models whose achievements can motivate younger generations.

Unfortunately, over the years, the noble intention behind these awards has been steadily eroded. The declining standards of public life and the growing obsession with titles and social recognition have turned honorary doctorates into instruments of vanity and self-promotion. Rather than celebrating exceptional contributions, the awards have too often been reduced to tools for massaging egos and advancing personal prestige.

This trend has not been helped by the complicity of some universities themselves. In many cases, institutions, often grappling with severe funding shortages, have turned honorary degrees into fundraising opportunities, sometimes conferring them on individuals whose qualifications for such recognition are questionable. In extreme cases, some members of the elite reportedly shop around from one university to another in search of institutions willing to confer the honour.

This development undermines the credibility of the universities involved and erodes public respect for genuine academic achievements. It is particularly unfair to scholars who devote years of rigorous research and intellectual labour to earn their doctoral degrees through legitimate academic processes.

It is, therefore, our belief at Daily Trust that the NUC’s guidelines represent an important attempt to restore sanity and integrity to the system. But issuing guidelines alone will not solve the problem. Their effectiveness will ultimately depend on strict implementation and consistent monitoring.

Beyond regulating honorary degrees, the commission should also address other troubling practices that threaten academic credibility. There have been growing concerns about institutions awarding doctoral degrees through unconventional routes, such as academic centres operating outside the established structures of schools of postgraduate studies. Such practices risk creating avenues for questionable qualifications and must be carefully scrutinised.

The integrity of the Nigerian university system depends on maintaining clear and credible academic standards. We, therefore, call on our universities to resist the temptation to trade honours or academic titles for financial or political gains.

For society as a whole, the episode should also prompt a broader reflection on our reward system. Recognition should not be pursued merely for personal prestige. Genuine accomplishment should speak for itself.

We strongly believe that if faithfully implemented, the NUC’s directive could restore respect for honorary awards while reaffirming the value of earned academic qualifications. It is therefore imperative that the commission ensures full compliance with the guidelines and that no institution or individual is allowed to circumvent them.