Why We Decided To Ban Honorary Degree Holders From Using ‘Dr’ Title –FG
By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa
The Federal Government has explained why it decided to ban recipients of honorary degrees from prefixing their names with ‘Dr’ title.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa gave the explanation on Wednesday during a media briefing at Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Alausa noted that the decision was made to stop indiscriminate conferment of degrees for political patronage and financial gain.
According to the minister the decision was taken at the Federal Executive Council meeting which was held on April 30.
“The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege. We’ve seen awards being used for political patronage, for financial gain, as well as the conferral of awards on serving public officials, which, as part of the ethics of honorary degree awards, should not happen.”
He said universities that violate the FEC decision will face sanctions, adding that the Vice Chancellors had been directed to streamline the process.
The minister added as part of measures to end the development, henceforth universities will have to seek approval from the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) before they can award the degrees.
