The National Universities Commission (NUC) has expressed concern over what it described as the increasing misuse of honorary doctorate degrees by Nigerian universities.

This was disclosed by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, during the presentation of the report of an investigation into the “awards and public misuse of Honorary Doctorate degree” in Abuja.

“In response to this disturbing trend, an investigation was carried out by the NUC to examine how these degrees are awarded and used across Nigeria. The findings are deeply concerning,” he said.

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He revealed that 61 institutions and bodies are involved in the indiscriminate conferment of such degrees nationwide.

“The report of the investigation identified 32 institutions operating as honorary doctorate degree mills, including 10 unaccredited foreign universities, 4 unlicensed local universities, 15 professional bodies with no degree-awarding powers and 3 other non-degree awarding institutions. It’s even more alarming that some of these institutions go as far as awarding fake professorships,” he said.

He emphasized that the awarding of honorary degrees is a legal responsibility reserved for Nigerian universities, noting that the Education Act empowers the NUC to regulate both the award and use of such degrees. “Hence, the Commission is determined to guide the proper use of honorary degrees, regulate their awards as well as protect the sanctity of our university educational system,” he said.

Ribadu further warned that recipients must avoid using the title “Dr” as part of their names.

“The recipients of the awards are at liberty to use the nomenclature such as Doctor of Literature but must refrain from using the title ‘Dr’ which is the designation of PhD holders and medical personnel. Additionally, they are not permitted to use the honorary doctorate degree to practice as scholars or professionals, supervise research or oversee administrative units,” he said.