By Ambrose Ologide
The recent move to bar honorary doctorate holders from parading themselves as “Doctor” has been welcomed, but described as insufficient to address deeper concerns within Nigeria’s academic system.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Michael Tidi, an Energy Economics expert who obtained his doctorate from the University of Ibadan in 2018, said the policy only scratches the surface of a more entrenched problem involving the proliferation of questionable awards and certificates.
According to him, “while the ban is a step in the right direction, it does not go far enough. We are witnessing a troubling rise in the conferment of questionable academic honours across some state and private universities, and, regrettably, even within a few second- and third-generation federal universities.”
Dr. Tidi, who has contributed extensively to academic journals, noted that the trend is gradually eroding the credibility of academic distinctions in the country. He questioned the growing obsession with the “Dr” title, particularly among political actors who are not engaged in scholarly work.
“Academic titles are not ornamental. They are earned through rigorous intellectual labour, sustained research, publication, and verifiable contributions to knowledge. When these standards are bypassed, the titles lose their meaning and integrity,” he said.
He further called for a comprehensive review of the processes governing the award of honorary degrees and other academic recognitions, urging the Federal Government and relevant regulatory bodies to introduce stricter guidelines and oversight.
“Those who seek recognition for their contributions to society should be encouraged to pursue appropriate traditional or civic honours, rather than adopting academic titles that misrepresent academic achievement,” he added.
Dr. Tidi stressed that preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s academic system is critical to maintaining global respect for its institutions and the value of its qualifications.
