In a move to safeguard academic integrity, the Federal Government has prohibited the use of the ‘Dr’ title by honorary degree holders in official and professional contexts.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the policy at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, May 6, noting that the decision was ratified during the Federal Executive Council meeting.
“The abuse of academic privilege ends now,” Alausa stated, calling out the “pay-to-play” culture of honorary titles. The Federal Government’s new policy strips honorary holders of the ‘Dr’ prefix, mandating that such awards be listed only as suffixes. The move specifically targets the unethical practice of conferring degrees on serving officials to gain political or financial leverage.
