NUC to sanction varsities over ‘indiscriminate conferment’ of honorary doctorate degrees
National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced plans to sanction universities that flout newly approved guidelines on the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the commission expressed concern over what it described as the growing “indiscriminate conferment and misuse” of honorary doctorates across the Nigerian university system. It warned that institutions found to be in violation of the regulations, as well as individuals who misuse honorary titles, will face appropriate penalties.
The NUC unveiled a 16-point guideline to regulate the conferment and use of honorary doctorate degrees. According to the commission, the move is in line with the provisions of the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), and its statutory oversight mandate.
“The commission has observed, with grave concern, the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees within the Nigerian University System,” the statement said.
It added that the newly approved guidelines are designed to standardise the conferment process, uphold academic integrity, and protect the credibility of Nigerian universities.
The commission directed all universities and degree-awarding institutions in the country to strictly comply with the provisions. It noted that the directive is consistent with the principles of the Keffi Declaration of 2012, which was endorsed by vice-chancellors nationwide.
The NUC further clarified that honorary doctorate degrees—whether awarded within Nigeria or abroad—are honorary distinctions and must not be presented as equivalent to earned academic doctorates.
Reiterating its stance, the commission said the guidelines were issued to safeguard the sanctity, integrity and global reputation of the Nigerian university system.
