MON NOV 24 2025-theGBJournal| The National University Commission (NUC) say they have identified 32 institutions operating as honorary doctorate degree mills, after extensive investigation and warned that their actions threaten the integrity of ”our universities and the value of genuine academic qualifications.”
The Commission say they also identified 10 unaccredited foreign universities, 4 unlicensed local universities, 15 professional bodies with no degree-awarding powers, and 3 other non-degree-awarding institutions, as part of the world-wide-web of fake doctorate degree award mills.
The alarmed Commission said some of these institutions go as far awarding fake professorship.
“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.
Hence, the Commission is determined to guide the proper use of honorary degrees, regulate their awards, as well as protect the sanctity of our university educational system” said Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.
Ribadu warned that only approved universities (either public or private) are eligible to award honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.
He adds that 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.”
Professor Ribadu also revealed that the National Universities Commission has developed a national guideline for the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees.
”This will soon be published, and the Commission will begin a clampdown on honorary degree mills in collaboration with law enforcement and other relevant government agencies,” he said.
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