The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced plans to sanction universities and individuals involved in the indiscriminate conferment and misuse of honorary doctorate degrees within Nigeria’s university system.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the commission expressed “grave concern” over what it described as the increasing incidence of improper awards and the misrepresentation of honorary titles. It warned that institutions found to have violated its newly approved guidelines would face regulatory sanctions, alongside individuals who misuse honorary distinctions.

The NUC disclosed that it has approved a comprehensive 16-point guideline to regulate the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria. According to the commission, the move is in line with its statutory responsibilities under the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004).

“The commission has observed, with grave concern, the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees within the Nigerian University System,” the statement read.

It added that the guidelines are designed to standardise the conferment process, uphold academic integrity and safeguard the credibility of the Nigerian university system.

The commission directed all universities and degree-awarding institutions across the country to strictly adhere to the approved provisions. It noted that the directive is consistent with the principles enshrined in the Keffi Declaration of 2012, to which all vice-chancellors are signatories.

The NUC further clarified that honorary doctorate degrees — whether awarded in Nigeria or abroad — are honorary distinctions and should not be presented or regarded as equivalent to earned academic doctorates obtained through formal study and research.

“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,” the statement added.

It emphasised that full compliance is expected from all stakeholders, stressing that appropriate regulatory sanctions would be imposed on any institution found to have breached the NUC-approved guidelines, as well as on individuals who misuse honorary titles.