It has become both amusing and concerning to witness individuals who receive honourary doctorate degrees from obscure or questionable institutions parade themselves with an air of superiority. Many waste no time attaching the “Dr” title to their names on social media, at public events, and even in official documents, as though they earned it through years of rigorous academic pursuit. Sadly, what many fail to understand is the depth of work, intellectual discipline, and personal sacrifice that genuine doctoral candidates undergo to earn a legitimate degree.
In respected academic circles, honourary doctorate degrees are not awarded carelessly. Prestigious universities confer them sparingly, as a symbolic recognition of significant and verifiable contributions to society, whether in humanitarian services, scientific innovation, public leadership, the arts, or other impactful fields. When a reputable institution bestows an honourary doctorate, it serves as a public acknowledgment of real achievement, not a tool for self-promotion.
Unfortunately, this noble tradition has been commercialised and debased by lesser-known or outright dubious institutions. Today, honourary degrees are frequently offered to anyone willing to pay or trade shallow publicity. This trend has not only cheapened the honour but has also misled many into believing that the title itself confers inherent prestige, regardless of how it was obtained.
Even more troubling is how this trend has crept into religious circles. Both Christian and Islamic religious leaders are increasingly guilty of the same malpractice. Among some so-called “men of God,” unregulated theological institutions—many of which barely qualify as Bible schools, award so-called doctoral degrees after six months of superficial training. Graduates from these schools emerge flaunting titles like “Doctor of Pastoral Ministry,” deceiving their followers and the broader public. Islamic scholars, too, are not exempt from this embarrassing development.
What an irony of life! Academic cleansing must not be limited to conventional universities. Regulatory scrutiny should extend to religious institutions where academic titles are now being dished out casually. If those flaunting such honourary titles understood the long hours, intellectual rigour, and sacrifice required to earn a true doctorate, perhaps they would approach such titles with the humility they deserve or refrain from using them entirely.
The situation has grown so alarming that notable voices in the academic community have begun to speak out. Emeritus Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), recently condemned the indiscriminate awarding of honorary degrees by some Nigerian universities. Speaking at an investiture ceremony at the University of Ilorin, he lamented how these awards are being handed out without proper scrutiny, undermining the credibility of the academic sector.
Interestingly, Nigeria need not look far for solutions. In Ghana, the Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) recently issued a directive banning individuals from publicly using honourary doctorate or professorial titles, warning that violators would face public exposure and potential legal action. GTEC described the practice as unethical, misleading, and damaging to the integrity of Ghana’s academic system. It emphasised that such titles should not be used to misrepresent one’s academic standing.
Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC), as the regulatory body overseeing university education in the country, must take proactive steps to address this growing menace. Its role should not be limited to course accreditation alone. The NUC should establish strict guidelines for the conferment of honorary degrees, including mandatory vetting of proposed recipients to ensure that only deserving individuals are honoured.
Furthermore, the National Assembly should consider enacting legislation to regulate the conferment of honourary degrees, especially by institutions not directly under NUC oversight. Many politicians, business people, religious leaders, and other public figures now flaunt unearned honorary titles, acquired through questionable means, without consequence. Such laws could help restore sanity and protect the sanctity of academic titles.
If Ghana can take decisive steps to safeguard the integrity of its academic system, Nigeria certainly can and must follow suit. In the end, honours are meant to be earned, not bought. Let us restore the dignity and value of academic titles. Titles should reflect merit, not marketing.
Awojobi is a multiple award-winning broadcast Journalist, Social and Political Commentator. He wrote from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
