The Federal Government has approved comprehensive guidelines regulating the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees by Nigerian universities, in a move aimed at protecting academic integrity, transparency and the credibility of the university system.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, disclosed this in a statement, saying the policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council following recommendations by the National Universities Commission, NUC.
According to the Minister, the new framework was introduced to address growing concerns over the abuse, commercialisation and misuse of honorary academic awards in Nigeria.
Alausa said the guidelines provide clear rules on eligibility, nomination, approval, conferment, usage and revocation of honorary doctorate degrees.
Under the new policy, only approved universities that have graduated their first set of PhD students are permitted to award honorary doctorate degrees.
The guidelines also limit such awards to a maximum of three recipients per convocation.
The Federal Government further directed that all honorary doctorate degrees must clearly carry the designation “Honoris Causa” to distinguish them from earned academic doctorate degrees.
Importantly, recipients of honorary doctorate degrees are prohibited from using the title “Dr.” as part of their official or professional identity.
The government said the restriction is necessary to prevent confusion between honorary awards and earned doctoral qualifications.
The guidelines also require universities to publish the names of recipients of honorary degrees and provide proper orientation to awardees on the nature, limits and permissible use of the honour.
Universities are also expected to put in place procedures for the revocation of honorary degrees where necessary.
To ensure compliance, the Federal Government said oversight mechanisms would be strengthened under the NUC, including the establishment of a Special Fraud Unit to monitor abuses and violations.
The government warned that institutions that breach the guidelines may face sanctions.
Such sanctions may include suspension of accreditation activities and, where necessary, dissolution of governing councils.
The Federal Government said strict compliance with the new policy is mandatory for all universities, stressing that honorary degrees must be awarded only in line with merit, institutional integrity and public trust.
The policy is expected to curb the indiscriminate award and misuse of honorary doctorate degrees and restore confidence in Nigeria’s higher education system.
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
________________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion: A Research Guide.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
