The Federal Government has banned individuals who receive honorary degrees from using the title "Dr", calling the practice a form of academic misrepresentation. The new policy states that using the title in such cases will now attract legal consequences. Officials said the move is aimed at curbing academic fraud and preserving the integrity of academic titles in Nigeria. Only those who have earned doctoral degrees through academic study may continue to use the title. The government warned that public figures, traditional rulers, and others who use "Dr" without a qualifying academic background could face sanctions. This includes individuals who have been awarded honorary doctorates by universities. The directive applies across all government agencies and public institutions. The policy shift was announced without a specified implementation date or enforcement mechanism. No exemptions were mentioned for prominent personalities currently using the title. The decision follows growing public debate over the misuse of academic titles in official and social settings.
The government bans honorary "Dr" titles but offers no timeline or enforcement plan, creating immediate confusion. Nigerians who legally use the title may face challenges proving their academic status. Others who have used the title without earned degrees now operate in a legal grey area. The lack of clarity weakens the policy's credibility from the outset.
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