NUC Warns Against Indiscriminate Conferment & Misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees, Issues Strict Guidelines
The National Universities Commission (NUC), pursuant to the provisions of the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and in fulfillment of its statutory mandate to ensure the orderly development of university education in Nigeria, hereby issues this Public Notice.
The Commission warns against the indiscriminate conferment and misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees within the Nigerian University System, noting with grave concern the increasing frequency of such practices.
In response to this troubling development, the Management of the Commission has approved comprehensive Guidelines for the Award and Use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Nigeria.
These Guidelines are intended to regulate the conferment process, uphold academic integrity, and safeguard the credibility and global reputation of the Nigerian University System.
Accordingly, all Nigerian universities and other degree-awarding institutions are hereby directed to strictly comply with the NUC-approved Guidelines.
This directive is consistent with the principles enshrined in the Keffi Declaration of 2012, to which all Vice-Chancellors were signatories.
The Commission further warns members of the public that Honorary Doctorate Degrees whether awarded by institutions within Nigeria or abroad are strictly honorary distinctions and must not be represented, styled, or regarded as equivalent to earned academic doctorate qualifications.
For the avoidance of doubt, these Guidelines have been issued to protect the sanctity and integrity of university education in Nigeria.
All stakeholders are therefore expected to fully comply with the established procedures governing the conferment and use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
Be advised that appropriate regulatory sanctions shall be imposed on any institution found to have violated the NUC-approved Guidelines, as well as on individuals who misuse honorary titles.
By this Notice, all concerned are hereby duly warned and advised accordingly.
NUC Warns Against Indiscriminate Conferment & Misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees, Issues Strict Guidelines
Byadmin
Feb 27, 2026