FG bans use of “Dr” title by honorary degree recipients, tightens award process

The Federal Government has banned recipients of honorary degrees from using the “Dr” title, in a bid to curb what it calls the growing abuse and politicisation of academic honours.

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announced the directive Wednesday at a media briefing in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the decision was approved at the Federal Executive Council meeting on April 30.

Alausa said the conferment of honorary degrees had increasingly been used for political patronage and, in some cases, driven by financial motives.

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He also noted that serving public officials had been awarded such honours contrary to established ethical standards.

“The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” he said.

The minister warned that universities that violated the directive would face sanctions.

According to him, “Vice-chancellors have been instructed to tighten procedures around the conferment process.

“Going forward, all universities must obtain approval from the National Universities Commission before awarding honorary degrees.”

The policy is aimed at standardising the process and restoring credibility to honorary academic awards in Nigeria.