The National Universities Commission (NUC) has declared an all-out war on the proliferation of fake and illegitimate honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria, announcing that it has identified 32 institutions operating as “honorary doctorate degree mills".
Speaking at a press conference, NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, revealed that a nationwide investigation exposed:
10 unaccredited foreign universities
4 unlicensed local universities
15 professional bodies without degree-awarding powers
3 other institutions that have no legal mandate to confer degrees
“Some of these entities have even gone as far as awarding fake professorships,” Professor Ribadu said, warning that the list may not be exhaustive.
The NUC described the trend as a “growing national concern,” noting that honorary degrees, originally intended to recognise exceptional contributions to society are now being sold without merit, oversight, or legitimacy.
Many recipients improperly prefix “Dr” to their names, in violation of the 2012 Keffi Declaration signed by Nigerian vice-chancellors, which expressly bars serving public officials from receiving such awards and prohibits the use of the title “Dr” without clear disclosure that the degree is honorary.
“Using the title ‘Dr’ based solely on an honorary degree without clarification constitutes false representation and is punishable under Nigerian fraud laws,” the NUC stressed.
Only duly accredited Nigerian universities, public or private are legally permitted to award honorary doctorates.
Recipients may append designations such as “D.Litt. (h.c.)” or “Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa)” after their names, but they are strictly forbidden from:
: Using the prefix “Dr”
: Practising as scholars or professionals on the strength of the honorary award
:Supervising research or heading academic/administrative units
In a strong show of resolve, the Commission announced that it has finalised a new National Guideline for the Award and Use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees, which will be published shortly.
The NUC also warned of an imminent nationwide clampdown on the identified degree mills in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
“We are determined to protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s university system and restore honour to genuine academic qualifications,” Professor Ribadu declared, calling on the public, professional bodies, and government agencies to support the campaign.“
Let us defend the dignity of Nigerian higher education,” he concluded.
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