By Erewunmi Peace

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has clarified that recipients of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria are not allowed to use the title “Dr.” The commission emphasized that the prefix is reserved for individuals with earned doctoral degrees and licensed medical professionals.

According to the NUC, honorary doctorates — also called honoris causa — are awards recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields, not academic qualifications.

• Recipients cannot use the prefix “Dr.” in formal or public contexts.
• They may indicate the honorary degree after their names using approved abbreviations, such as LL.D. (h.c.) for an honorary Doctor of Laws.
• Universities must follow proper procedures when conferring honorary doctorates and publish the list of recipients publicly.

The commission said these rules aim to prevent confusion and misuse of the title “Dr.” and to maintain integrity in Nigeria’s academic system.

“Honorary doctorates are a recognition of achievement, not a professional qualification. The title ‘Dr.’ is reserved for earned doctorates and licensed medical professionals,” a NUC spokesperson said.

Honorary degrees are common worldwide and are often awarded to public figures, academics, or professionals who have made exceptional contributions to society, science, or the arts. With the new NUC guidelines, Nigeria ensures that honorary awards are clearly distinguished from earned academic degrees.

The NUC has instructed universities and recipients to comply with these guidelines to uphold transparency and protect the integrity of academic titles in the country.