LunagisthubThe National Universities Commission (NUC) Cracks Down on Misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees
The NUC has warned against the misuse of honorary doctorate degrees, emphasizing that recipients must not use the title “Dr” as part of their names. According to the NUC Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, such titles are reserved for holders of PhDs or medical degrees
Ribadu explained that honorary degree holders can use designations such as Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) or D.Litt. (h.c.), but must refrain from using the title “Dr”. Additionally, they are not permitted to practice as scholars, supervise research, or oversee administrative units
The NUC has identified 32 institutions operating as honorary degree mills across the country, including unaccredited foreign universities, local institutions, and professional bodies without degree-awarding powers. Some of these entities have been found to award fake professorships
The NUC emphasizes the importance of upholding academic integrity and maintaining the value of genuine academic qualifications. The commission has developed comprehensive national guidelines for the awarding and use of honorary doctorate degrees
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