The National Universities Commission (NUC) has sounded the alarm over what it described as the growing and troubling misuse of honorary doctorate degrees by universities and unaccredited institutions across Nigeria. The warning came on Friday in Abuja as the Commission unveiled the outcome of a far-reaching investigation into the proliferation, abuse, and public misrepresentation of honorary titles.
According to findings obtained by Akahi News, the investigation — which examined 61 universities, organisations, and professional bodies — uncovered a pattern of indiscriminate conferment of honorary degrees, including cases where individuals were decorated with fake professorships. The Commission said such practices not only erode the integrity of the Nigerian university system but also mislead the public.
Inquiry Uncovers Widespread Irregularities
Speaking during the briefing, the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof Abdullahi Ribadu, described the revelations as “deeply concerning,” lamenting that some institutions have turned honorary degrees into commodities rather than symbolic recognitions of merit or societal contribution.
JOIN US ON WHATSAPP FOR FREE LATEST NEWS
According to Prof Ribadu, the inquiry identified several institutions — both accredited and unaccredited — that routinely confer honorary doctorates without following due process. He expressed worry that many of these titles are being used for personal branding, political relevance, or social prestige rather than academic honour.
Akahi News gathered that the Commission is particularly disturbed by the emergence of groups that masquerade as professional bodies, offering dubious titles that bear no academic legitimacy.
Recipients Warned Against Using ‘Dr’ as a Prefix
In what appears to be the Commission’s strongest stance yet on the subject, Prof Ribadu reiterated that individuals who receive honorary doctorates are not permitted to use the title “Dr” before their names. He stressed that such usage is misleading and academically inappropriate, as the prefix is reserved strictly for holders of earned doctoral qualifications (PhDs) and medical degrees.
He stated that while honorary degrees remain valid ceremonial acknowledgements, they do not confer academic privileges nor qualify recipients to make professional claims associated with earned doctorates.
Analysts who spoke with Akahi News noted that misuse of honorary titles has long generated controversy in Nigeria, often blurring the line between academic recognition and social posturing. The NUC’s renewed intervention, they said, could help restore public confidence in the authenticity of academic credentials.
NUC Moves to Strengthen Regulation
To curb the growing abuse, the Commission revealed plans to intensify monitoring of universities and clamp down on unlicensed institutions that award honorary degrees without legal authority. The NUC also urged Nigerians to verify the accreditation status of institutions before accepting or publicising any honorary recognition.
According to Akahi News findings, the Commission may introduce stricter guidelines for conferment ceremonies and impose sanctions on institutions that violate established protocols.
Prof Ribadu called for collective responsibility, urging universities, the media, and the public to refrain from glorifying unearned titles. He emphasised that the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system must not be compromised by acts that trivialise academic achievements.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org
