The Federal Government has banned recipients of honorary degrees from using the title “Dr” in official, academic, or professional settings.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He explained that the move was approved by the Federal Executive Council to regulate the use of honorary degrees in Nigeria.
According to the minister, using the “Dr” title without earning an academic doctorate is considered a misrepresentation of qualifications. He warned that such actions will now be treated as academic fraud and could lead to legal and reputational consequences.
Alausa, who spoke alongside the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, said the government has introduced a uniform policy to guide how honorary degrees are awarded and used by universities.
He noted that the policy aims to stop the misuse of honorary degrees, which he said have been given out carelessly in the past for political reasons and financial benefits. He also criticised the practice of awarding such degrees to serving public officials, describing it as unethical.
The government said the new rule is part of efforts to restore credibility and public trust in Nigeria’s academic system.
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