By The Federal Government has approved new guidelines to regulate the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigerian universities, in a move aimed at protecting academic standards and restoring confidence in the nation’s higher education system.
According to a statement dated June 10, 2026 and signed by the The Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the new framework was introduced to address concerns surrounding the abuse, commercialization, and misuse of honorary academic awards across the country.
The guidelines, developed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and approved by the Federal Executive Council, establish new rules covering the nomination, approval, conferment, usage, and possible withdrawal of honorary degrees.
”The framework sets clear rules on eligibility, nomination, approval, conferment, usage, and revocation of honorary doctorate degrees” the statement added.
Under the new policy, only universities that have graduated their first set of PhD students will be eligible to award honorary doctorates. Each institution will also be restricted to conferring a maximum of three honorary degrees during a convocation ceremony.
The Federal Government further directed that all honorary degrees must carry the designation “Honoris Causa”, while recipients will not be permitted to use the title “Dr.” before their names.
”All honorary degrees must carry the designation “Honoris Causa,” and recipients are prohibited from using the title “Dr”.” the statement read.
According to the ministry, the restriction is intended to clearly distinguish between individuals who earned doctoral qualifications through academic research and those recognised through honorary awards.
The new framework also introduces stronger oversight mechanisms, including the establishment of a Special Fraud Unit under the NUC to monitor compliance and prevent violations.
Universities will be required to publish the names of honorary degree recipients, provide orientation for awardees, and establish procedures for revoking awards where necessary.
The government warned that institutions that fail to comply with the guidelines could face sanctions, including suspension of accreditation activities and dissolution of governing councils.
