Tinubu warns universities against bestowing honorary degrees arbitrarily

Nigerian colleges have received a strong warning from President Bola Tinubu against the indiscriminate awarding of honorary doctorates.

At the simultaneous convocation ceremonies for the sixth, seventh, and eighth graduates of Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) on Saturday in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, the President issued the warning.

He contends that the random awarding of honorary doctorates is a sabotage act that compromises the fundamental principles of academic integrity and has to end.

On behalf of the National Universities Commission, Tinubu was represented by Chris Jibreel-Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary. Tinubu clarified that only worthy Nigerians who have made significant contributions to the advancement of society should be granted honorary degrees.

The President claims that professional experience and academic proficiency only make up a small portion of the credentials required to create a powerful and affluent country.

“For universities to achieve their goals, the finest possible academic progress must be combined with moral instruction and ethical norms.

As a result, the administration of universities as well as the general settings in which instruction takes place need to set the highest standards for morality, probity, and integrity.

“In this regard, I must call your attention to the tendency of certain institutions to undermine the standing of their degrees by bestowing honorary doctorates without regard for the customs of the university community,” the speaker stated.

In an effort to realign affairs for improved results, Tinubu also promised to always respond favorably to the requirements of universities and their communities.

Additionally, he pledged to do every effort to rectify the lack of infrastructure in Nigerian universities and other higher education establishments.