The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued a stern warning over the rising cases of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigerian universities, emphasizing that sanctions will be imposed on both institutions and individuals who violate its rules.

In a statement on Thursday, the commission unveiled 16-point guidelines for the award and proper use of honorary doctorates, in line with the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), and its statutory mandate.

“The commission is deeply concerned about the increasing misuse and indiscriminate conferment of honorary doctorate degrees in the Nigerian University,” the statement read.

The new guidelines aim to regulate the conferment process, protect academic integrity, and preserve the credibility of Nigerian universities. All universities and degree-awarding institutions are directed to adhere strictly to the provisions, which are aligned with the Keffi Declaration of 2012, signed by all vice-chancellors.

The NUC clarified that honorary doctorates, whether awarded locally or abroad, are purely ceremonial and must not be treated as equivalent to earned academic doctorates.

“These guidelines are issued to protect the integrity, reputation, and global standing of the Nigerian university system,” the commission added. “All stakeholders must comply fully with the procedures for conferment and use of honorary doctorates. Regulatory sanctions will be applied against any institution or individual found in breach of these rules.”