FG Bans Honorary Degree Holders from Using ‘Dr’

The Federal Government of Nigeria has banned recipients of Honorary Doctorate Degrees from using the “Dr” title, warning that defaulters risk being charged for fraud.

Global Mirror News gathered that the decision, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during a press briefing in Abuja. The directive forms part of broader reforms aimed at restoring integrity and global credibility to Nigeria’s academic system.

According to the Government, individuals who receive Honorary Doctorates must no longer prefix “Dr” to their names in any official or professional capacity. Authorities emphasized that doing so amounts to a false representation of academic achievement and could attract legal consequences.

Global Mirror News understands that the move follows increasing concerns over the widespread misuse and commercialisation of Honorary Degrees, with some Institutions allegedly awarding them for political or financial reasons. In many cases, recipients have gone on to publicly present themselves as holders of earned doctoral qualifications.

Under the new regulation, Honorary Awardees are required to clearly indicate their status by adding “Honoris Causa” after their names, instead of adopting academic titles reserved for individuals who have completed rigorous Doctoral Studies or Medical Training.

The reforms also extend to Universities, as only institutions with accredited PhD programmes will now be permitted to confer honorary doctorates. The Government further signaled plans to tighten oversight to curb abuse and uphold academic standards.

Officials say the policy is a decisive step toward protecting the value of legitimate academic qualifications and rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s higher education sector.