FG Bans ‘Dr’ Title for Honorary Degrees

By Babatunji Wusu

The Federal Government has stopped holders of honorary degrees from using the title ‘Dr’ in any official, academic, or professional setting. The move aims to address growing concerns about the misuse of honorary titles in Nigeria.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while speaking to State House correspondents after a Federal Executive Council meeting. He explained that the new rule forms part of efforts to protect the value and integrity of academic honours.

According to him, “The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege.

“We’ve seen awards being used for political patronage, for financial gain, as well as the conferral of awards on serving public officials, which, as part of the ethics of honorary degree awards, should not happen.”

Under the new directive, anyone awarded an honorary degree must no longer place ‘Dr’ before their name. Instead, recipients should clearly state the full honorary title after their name to reflect its true status.

This policy seeks to curb the misuse of honorary titles, reduce political influence in academic recognition, and uphold proper standards in Nigeria’s education system. Observers believe the step will strengthen trust in academic integrity and discourage the commercialisation of honorary awards.

Do you think this ban will restore respect for honorary degrees in Nigeria?