Several holders of doctoral degrees (PhDs) have commended the Federal Government’s decision to ban recipients of honorary doctorates from using the “Dr” title, calling it a positive and necessary step.
The scholars, speaking to our correspondence in Abuja, expressed unanimous support for the ban, describing the use of the “Dr” prefix by honorary doctorate holders as an academic fraud.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who argued that the use of the title by those awarded honorary degrees misrepresents academic credentials. Alausa stated that from now on, such practices would be treated as academic fraud, with potential legal and reputational consequences.
Prof. Ahshom Maisamari, a PhD holder in English Education, praised the government’s move, asserting that it was a necessary action to distinguish between those who earned their doctoral degrees through rigorous academic efforts and those who were honored for their contributions to society without the academic qualifications.
“I commend the government for this, as it provides clarity between those who earned their PhDs after years of rigorous academic pursuit and those who were simply honored for their character and service to humanity,” said Maisamari.
He also welcomed the government’s decision to limit the awarding of honorary degrees to just three per convocation, noting that this would prevent abuse by universities using the awards to attract revenue or support. “Some universities have exploited honorary doctorates as a revenue-generating tool, awarding them to individuals who don’t necessarily meet the humanitarian criteria,” he added.
Dr. Wale Sadeeq, a Political Scientist and Media Practitioner, also expressed his approval of the ban, describing it as long overdue. He emphasized that a PhD or MD signifies years of rigorous academic work, while honorary doctorates are meant to recognize contributions to society, not academic achievement.
“A legitimate PhD represents years of hard academic work, whereas an honorary doctorate is simply a recognition. The ban will help prevent the confusion between genuine scholars and those who are merely honored,” said Sadeeq. He added that some honorary degree holders misuse the “Dr” title to gain undue influence, misleading the public about their academic qualifications.
Sadeeq also urged the government to go beyond the ban and address what he termed the commercialization of honorary doctorates by some Nigerian universities. “Some universities have turned honorary degrees into commercial ventures, and this needs to be checked,” he said.
Dr. Mercy Tartsea-Anshase, an expert in Mass Communication, also welcomed the development, calling it a step in the right direction. She noted that the new rule would help academic doctors be properly distinguished from honorary doctorate holders.
“It’s a welcome development. Now, academic doctors can be properly addressed without confusion,” Tartsea-Anshase said. She added that, until now, the only way academic doctors could differentiate themselves was by adding “PhD” to their names, and the ban ensures that the distinction remains clear.
