Unveiling Nigeria’s Honorary Doctorate Epidemic: A Crisis of Academic Integrity
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In the labyrinth of Nigeria’s academic landscape, a disconcerting trend has emerged, where the esteemed title of “Dr” is bestowed upon individuals through dubious means, tarnishing the sanctity of honorary doctorate degrees. While traditionally reserved for those who have achieved remarkable feats or contributed significantly to society, these titles are now prolifically distributed, often by institutes and professional bodies lacking the authority to grant such distinctions.
Consider Kehinde Olawale, a human relationship consultant and life coach, who proudly flaunts the title of “Dr” despite not undertaking doctoral studies. His accolade was granted by a professional institute, blurring the lines between legitimate academic achievement and superficial recognition.
The phenomenon extends beyond individual cases, with a surge in Nigerians parading honorary doctorate degrees from institutions devoid of accreditation to confer even undergraduate degrees. These titles, ostensibly meant to honor exceptional societal contributions, are now dispensed liberally to politicians, civil servants, religious leaders, and business magnates, regardless of their academic merit.
Urgent Calls for Oversight: Nigeria’s Honorary Degrees Crisis Threatens Academic Integrity
While the tradition of awarding honorary degrees dates back centuries, with the earliest recorded instance occurring in the late 15th century at the University of Oxford, the contemporary landscape is marred by commercialization and lax standards. Institutes like Maverick Business Academy, London and the Institute of Leadership Manpower and Management Development (ILMMD) are among those offering honorary doctorates for a hefty fee, blurring the line between recognition and transaction.
The pervasiveness of this practice raises concerns about the legitimacy, integrity and the sanctity of honorary doctorate degrees. Professor Adele Jinadu asserts that honorary degrees should be conferred by reputable universities or equivalent institutions, maintaining the sanctity of academic recognition. However, the proliferation of unaccredited bodies undermines the credibility of these distinctions.
Efforts to curb this trend have been met with mixed success. While organizations like the National Universities Commission (NUC) have expressed concern and issued warnings against illegitimate degree conferral, the practice persists, fueled by a lack of oversight and accountability.
Undermining Academic Prestige: The Rise of Commercialized Honorary Degrees
The implications of this phenomenon are far-reaching, casting doubt on the authenticity of academic titles and diminishing the value of genuine scholarly achievement. As Babatunde Philip aptly observes, distinguishing between those who earn their titles through rigorous academic pursuit and those who procure them through dubious means is imperative to uphold the integrity of academic honors.
In light of these revelations, calls for stringent regulation and oversight grow louder. Government agencies such as the NUC and international bodies like the Office for Students play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of academic credentials and ensuring that honorary degrees are conferred judiciously and in accordance with established standards.
Ultimately, the erosion of academic integrity and the commodification of honorary degrees demand urgent attention and concerted action. Only through rigorous scrutiny and stringent regulation can the sanctity of academic honors be preserved, ensuring that the title of “Dr” remains a symbol of genuine achievement and scholarly excellence.
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I have observed this myself, most people that claim to be “Dr” in Nigeria don’t talk like one.
This is truly a crisis because it’s becoming a profound knowledge that one does not need to stress him/herself to become a “Dr” thereby undermining the importance of this tittle