The National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria has issued new guidelines aimed at regulating the award and usage of honorary doctorate degrees in response to increasing concerns about their indiscriminate conferment. This action is supported by the commission's statutory powers under the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, which provides the legal framework for the governance of university education in Nigeria.

In its public notice released via its official X account, the NUC highlighted the need for order and accountability within the university system. The commission expressed concern regarding the rising incidents of the misuse of honorary degrees, which undermine the integrity of educational institutions. The newly introduced guidelines are expected to ensure that honorary accolades are awarded judiciously and only to individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

This move by the NUC underscores a broader initiative to protect the value of higher education in Nigeria. By regulating honorary degrees, the commission aims to reinforce the credibility of Nigerian universities and maintain the standard of academic qualifications. This development is essential in restoring public confidence in the educational sector, which has faced criticism over the quality and legitimacy of its programs and their graduates.