FG Bans Honorary Degree Holders From Using ‘Dr’ Title

The Federal Government has banned recipients of honorary degrees from using the title “Dr” in official, academic, or professional settings.

The announcement was made by Minister of Education Tunji Alausa after a Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to the minister, the decision followed growing concerns over the abuse and politicisation of honorary degree awards in Nigeria.

He said the government observed that honorary degrees were increasingly being used for political patronage and financial influence.

Alausa also criticised the practice of conferring such awards on serving public officials, describing it as unethical.

Under the new directive, individuals awarded honorary doctorates will no longer be allowed to attach “Dr” before their names.

Instead, recipients are expected to clearly indicate the honorary nature of the award after their names.

The minister stressed that honorary degrees are symbolic recognitions and should not be treated as earned academic qualifications.

The move is expected to spark debate across academic, political, and religious circles, where honorary titles are commonly used.

Supporters of the policy argue that it will help protect the integrity of academic qualifications and reduce misuse of honorary awards.