.... Identifies 32 fake Honorary Degree mills

By CHIKA NWACHUKWU

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, has warned Nigerians against using honorary doctorate degrees to claim the title of 'Dr', stating that such actions amount to false representation, which is punishable under various fraud-related laws in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference held at the NUC Secretariat in Abuja on Friday, Ribadu explained that honorary doctorate degrees are meant to recognise outstanding service or achievements of individuals, but have increasingly been misused by recipients.

He disclosed that NUC conducted an investigation to examine how these degrees are awarded and used across Nigeria, and the findings were deeply concerning.

According to Ribadu, many institutions do not comply with the Keffi Declaration of 2012, a policy agreed upon by Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities to regulate the award of honorary doctorate degrees.

The declaration prohibits the award of honorary degrees to serving public officials and cautions recipients against using the title "Dr" without proper disclosure.

Ribadu emphasised that using the title "Dr" based on an honorary degree without clarification amounts to false representation, which is punishable under various fraud-related laws in Nigeria.

He noted that this trend threatens the integrity of Nigerian universities and the value of genuine academic qualifications, undermines the hard work of scholars, and diminishes public trust in the education system.

Ribadu disclosed that investigation identified 32 institutions operating as honorary doctorate degree mills, including 10 unaccredited foreign universities, 4 unlicensed local universities, 15 professional bodies with no degree-awarding powers, and 3 other non-degree-awarding institutions.

While noting that the figure may not be exhaustive, Ribadu explained that the Commission has developed a national guideline for the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees, which will soon be published.

“Let us be clear; awarding honorary degrees is a legal responsibility of Nigerian universities and The Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, Chapter E2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, L. F. N. 2004, empowers the National Universities Commission to regulate the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.,” he said.

Ribadu announced that the NUC will begin a crackdown on honorary degree mills in collaboration with law enforcement and other relevant government agencies.

"We are soliciting the support of all stakeholders, relevant government agencies, and the public in restoring honour to our honorary degrees. Let us defend the dignity of Nigerian higher education," Ribadu stated.

He clarified that according to the guidelines, only approved universities (either public or private) are eligible to award honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the recipients of the awards are at liberty to use the nomenclature, such as Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) or the title D. Litt. (h.c.) at the end of their names, but they must refrain from using the title "Dr" which is the designation for PhD holders and medical personnel.

“Additionally, they are not permitted to use the honorary doctorate degree to practise as scholars or professionals, supervise research or oversee administrative units. In conclusion, the National Universities Commission has developed a national guideline for the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees,” the NUC Boss said.