- NUC releases new honorary degree rules
- Targets abuse and indiscriminate awards
- Universities warned of sanctions
- Honorary degrees not equal to PhD
The National Universities Commission has released new guidelines regulating the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria, citing rising cases of indiscriminate conferment and misuse within the Nigerian University System.
The Commission announced the development in a public notice issued on Thursday via its official page on X.
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According to the notice, the guidelines were approved in line with the Commission’s statutory powers under the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“The National Universities Commission (NUC), by virtue of the provisions of the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, hereby issues this Public Notice,” the statement read.
The NUC said it had observed, with serious concern, a growing trend of unregulated and questionable awards of honorary doctorate degrees by some institutions.
“The Commission has observed, with grave concern, the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees within the Nigerian University System,” it added.
In response, the university regulatory body disclosed that it has approved comprehensive guidelines aimed at restoring order, protecting academic integrity, and preserving the global credibility of Nigeria’s university system.
“In response to this development, the Management of the Commission has approved comprehensive Guidelines for the Award and Use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Nigeria.”
The NUC directed all Nigerian universities and other degree-awarding institutions to strictly comply with the new framework, warning that regulatory sanctions would be imposed on institutions and individuals found to be in violation.
The Commission also clarified that honorary doctorate degrees—whether awarded locally or internationally—are symbolic recognitions and should not be presented or used as earned academic qualifications.
It defined honorary doctorates as:
“Non-earned doctoral degrees awarded honoris causa, for the sake of honour, to acknowledge distinguished merit, outstanding public service, scholarly impact, creative achievement, or significant contributions that reflect the values and mission of the awarding institution.”
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, explained that the guidelines were developed in line with long-standing academic traditions in Nigeria.
He noted that the framework reflects resolutions of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, particularly those outlined in the Keffi Declaration of 2012, as well as inputs submitted by universities in December 2025.
