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 and in the discharge of its statutory responsibility to ensure the orderly development of university education in Nigeria, hereby issues this Public Notice.
The Commission has observed, with grave concern, the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees within the Nigerian 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 Guidelines are intended to regulate the conferment process, preserve academic integrity and safeguard the credibility of the Nigerian University System.
Accordingly, all Nigerian Universities and other degree-awarding institutions are hereby directed to strictly adhere to the provisions of the NUC-approved Guidelines. This directive is consistent with the principles enshrined in the Keffi Declaration of 2012, to which all Vice-Chancellors were signatories.
The general public is further reminded that Honorary Doctorate Degrees, whether awarded by institutions within Nigeria or abroad, are honorary distinctions and should not be represented or regarded as equivalent to earned academic doctorate qualifications.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission reiterates that these Guidelines have been issued to protect the sanctity, integrity and global reputation of the Nigerian University System. All stakeholders are therefore expected to comply fully with the laid-down procedures governing the conferment and use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
Please note that appropriate regulatory sanctions shall be imposed on any institution found to have violated the NUC-approved Guidelines, as well as on individuals who misuse honorary titles.
By this Notice, all concerned are advised accordingly.
