TLConnect NG

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
PRESS RELEASE

1st June, 2026

FG APPROVES STRICT GUIDELINES ON HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREES TO RESTORE CREDIBILITY OF NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

The Federal Government has approved comprehensive Guidelines for the Award and Use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Nigeria to strengthen academic integrity, transparency, and the credibility of the university system.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, disclosed that the policy addresses concerns over abuse, commercialization, and misuse of honorary awards. The guidelines were developed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and approved by the Federal Executive Council.

The framework sets clear rules on eligibility, nomination, approval, conferment, usage, and revocation of honorary doctorate degrees. It restricts eligibility to approved universities that have graduated their first PhD set and limits awards to a maximum of three per convocation.

All honorary degrees must carry the designation “Honoris Causa,” and recipients are prohibited from using the title “Dr.” The guidelines also establish oversight mechanisms, including a Special Fraud Unit under the NUC to monitor compliance.

Universities are required to publish recipients’ names, provide orientation to awardees, and implement revocation procedures where necessary.

The Federal Government directed strict compliance, warning that violations may attract sanctions including suspension of accreditation activities and dissolution of governing councils.

Folasade Boriowo
Director, Press and Public Relations