FG Backs Ban On Fake Doctor Titles

FG Backs Ban On Fake Doctor Titles

Some doctoral degree holders have backed the Federal Government’s decision to stop recipients of honorary doctorate awards from using the “Dr” title.

The policy was announced in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who described the practice as academic misrepresentation and warned of legal consequences for offenders.

Academics who reacted to the decision said the move would restore order and protect the value of earned doctoral qualifications.

They explained that honorary awards are meant to recognise service and contributions to society, not academic achievement gained through years of research and study.

Professor Ahshom Maisamari said the decision would help separate scholars who earned their PhDs through academic work from individuals who only received honorary recognition.

He also welcomed the government’s move to limit honorary doctorate awards to three per convocation, saying some universities had turned the process into a money-making venture.

Other scholars, including Dr Wale Sadeeq and Dr Mercy Tartsea-Anshase, described the ban as overdue and necessary to protect the credibility of academic titles.

They said some honorary recipients misuse the “Dr” title to gain influence and deceive the public, adding that the new rule would help preserve trust and integrity in the education system.