NUC bans using "Dr" title for Honorary degree Holders

 The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued new guidelines regulating the award of honorary degrees in Nigerian universities, banning recipients from using the “Dr.” title.

The commission said the move aims at curbing what it described as the indiscriminate conferment of honorary awards and preserving the integrity of academic distinctions.

Under the new rules, only universities that have graduated their first set of PhD students are eligible to confer honorary degrees.

The NUC stressed that recipients of honorary degrees must not prefix their names with “Dr.” but instead use appropriate designations after their names, such as Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) – D.Sc (H.C). It added that the “Dr.” title remains strictly reserved for individuals who have earned academic doctorates or are qualified medical professionals.

The guidelines also prohibit any form of payment or expectation of financial contribution from recipients, insisting that honorary degrees must be awarded strictly on merit and free of charge.

To further regulate the process, universities are now limited to a maximum of three honorary degrees per convocation ceremony.

The commission also excluded self-nominated individuals and serving elected or appointed public officials from receiving such awards.

As part of transparency measures, universities are required to publish the names of all honorary degree recipients on their official websites and establish a revocation policy to withdraw awards from individuals found guilty of fraud or unethical conduct.

The NUC clarified that honorary degrees do not confer professional privileges, including the right to practise in regulated fields, supervise academic research, or hold administrative positions within universities.

Reiterating its stance, the commission warned that compliance with the guidelines is mandatory, noting that institutions that violate the rules risk facing regulatory sanctions.

The NUC added that the measures are part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the credibility and global reputation of Nigeria’s university system.

Culled From nations newspaper

Open Letter to NAFDAC: Urgent Need to Regulate Nylon Use in Hot Food Packaging and Promote Safer Alternatives

 

Open Letter to NAFDAC

Subject: Urgent Need to Regulate Nylon Use in Hot Food Packaging and Promote Safer Alternatives

Dear Director-General and Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),

I write to respectfully draw your attention to the widespread use of nylon materials in the packaging of prepared hot foods such as okpa, moi-moi, agidi, and other similar products across Nigeria.

This practice has become common due to convenience and cost considerations. However, concerns continue to grow regarding the suitability of nylon for high-temperature food applications and the potential long-term public health implications of consuming food packaged in such materials. Statistics point that Cancer cases are rising significantly, we can’t afford to overlook some unsafe health practices.

In light of these concerns, I respectfully urge NAFDAC to consider the following actions:

a. Introduce and enforce stricter regulations on the use of non-food-grade nylon for packaging hot and prepared foods

b. Launch nationwide awareness campaigns to educate food vendors and consumers on the risks associated with improper packaging materials

c. Encourage the adoption of certified food-grade alternatives such as moi-moi pouches, which are designed for high-temperature food use

d. Work with manufacturers and stakeholders to make safe packaging options more affordable and accessible, especially for small-scale vendors

NAFDAC’s leadership in ensuring food safety is critical to protecting public health. Strengthening standards in food packaging will not only help reduce potential health risks but also promote best practices within Nigeria’s informal and formal food sectors.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians.

Yours faithfully,

Amaka