The National Universities Commission (NUC) has launched a major crackdown on the widespread misuse and fraudulent issuance of honorary doctorate degrees across Nigeria. This follows an investigation that uncovered 32 institutions operating as honorary doctorate degree mills in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, revealed this in an official statement, warning that the growing abuse of honorary degrees poses a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
According to the investigation, the illegal entities include 10 unaccredited foreign universities operating without recognition, 4 local universities lacking proper licensing, 15 professional organisations without degree-awarding powers, and 3 other institutions not authorised to award any form of degree. Professor Ribadu described the situation as deeply concerning, noting that many institutions have failed to comply with the Keffi Declaration of 2012, which regulates the award of honorary degrees and prohibits giving such honours to serving public officials.
He explained that individuals who use the title “Dr” based solely on an honorary degree without proper disclosure are engaging in false representation, an offence punishable under Nigerian fraud-related laws. The practice diminishes the value of genuine academic qualifications and damages public trust.
The NUC reiterated that only approved Nigerian universities, whether public or private, are legally permitted to award honorary doctorate degrees. Recipients may use designations such as D.Litt. (h.c.) but must not use the title “Dr” or act as academic or professional practitioners based on honorary awards. Professor Ribadu added that some fake institutions have even gone as far as awarding counterfeit professorships.
To restore sanity, the Commission has developed a national guideline for the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees, which will soon be published. The NUC will also work with law enforcement and relevant agencies to clamp down on illegal operators.
He called on stakeholders, government agencies, and the public to support the effort, stressing the need to defend the dignity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
