No 'Dr' Title for Honorary Degree Recipients – FG
New Policy on Honorary Degrees and the Establishment of a National Research Fund
The Federal Government has introduced a new policy that prohibits recipients of honorary degrees from using the title “Dr” before their names. The policy also warns of legal consequences for those who misrepresent these degrees as earned academic credentials. This move aims to address what officials describe as years of misuse and politicization of honorary titles.
In addition, the government approved the creation of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund, with an annual allocation of approximately $500 million drawn from federation revenues. This initiative is part of broader efforts to boost research and innovation in Nigeria.
Key Provisions of the Honorary Degree Policy
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced these changes during a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He emphasized that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the uniform policy for the award and use of honorary degrees by Nigerian universities. The policy was designed to end the indiscriminate conferral of such degrees for political or financial gain and to restore public confidence in academic titles.
Alausa explained that the recent trend of awarding honorary degrees has led to abuse and politicization. He noted that some universities have awarded these degrees to serving public officials and even to institutions without PhD programs, which he called a misnomer. Recipients are now required to list the full honorary designation after their name, rather than using “Dr.” For example, someone named Chief Louis Clark would be listed as D.Lit. (Doctor of Literature, Honoris Causa).
Under the new rules, only four types of honorary degrees can be conferred: Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Doctor of Letters (D.Lit), Doctor of Science (D.Sc), and Doctor of Humanities (D.Arts). Additionally, universities must have active PhD-awarding programs to confer honorary degrees. The National Universities Commission (NUC) will vet all nominees and publish lists of legitimate awardees.
Addressing University Autonomy Concerns
When asked about the impact on university autonomy, Alausa clarified that autonomy does not mean breaking the law. He stressed that the NUC will develop sanction processes for universities that violate the rules. A circular will be issued to all vice chancellors, registrars, and governing councils, and convocation programs will be monitored for compliance.
The policy echoes the Keffi Declaration of 2012, which aimed to curb the misuse of honorary degrees. However, this declaration lacked legal authority and was largely ignored. Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education, explained that the new policy provides legal backing to ensure adherence to the principles set out in the declaration.
The National Research and Innovation Development Fund
The FEC also approved the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund, which aims to support researchers and innovators in Nigeria. Alausa highlighted the importance of aligning research with national needs and improving the commercialization of research outputs.
Currently, Nigeria faces challenges of fragmented and uncoordinated research efforts. Alausa pointed out that many research institutes operate in isolation, with little connection to market needs. The fund seeks to address this by promoting a competitive, merit-based grant model.
The fund will be managed by a 17-member National Council on Research and Innovation, chaired by the Vice President. It will include representatives from various sectors, including academia, industry, and government. Grants will be disbursed in tranches, with conditions based on meeting key performance indicators.
Funding and Governance
The $500 million annual target will be funded through a first-line charge arrangement, similar to the structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. This ensures consistent funding year-on-year. The fund will also impose a moratorium on the establishment of new research institutes, preventing further fragmentation.
Alausa emphasized that the goal is to create a more coordinated and effective research ecosystem in Nigeria. By supporting innovation and aligning it with national priorities, the government hopes to drive economic growth and development.
