Nigerian Government to Prosecute Persons Using Unearned 'Dr' Title, Tackle Academic Fraud
- Nigeria's Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced a ban on the use of the "Dr" title by honorary degree holders
- The Federal Government stated that using the title without academically earning it will now be prosecuted as academic fraud
- The new directive was made public during a press briefing attended by sector officials on May 7, 2026
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared that individuals using the "Dr" title without earning it through academic study will face legal prosecution.
Source: UGC
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the official ban during a press briefing held on May 7, 2026.
The Minister clarified that the title is no longer permitted for honorary degree recipients.
Under the new policy, the unauthorised use of the prefix will be treated as a criminal offence related to academic fraud.
The government maintained that the measure is necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria's educational system and ensure titles are only held by those who have earned them.
Speaking on the enforcement of the ban, Tunji Alausa stated:
"It will be tackled as academic fraud and will suffer legal consequences".
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion online, with many Nigerians calling for the strict enforcement of the directive against politicians and public figures.
Nigeria's crackdown on academic fraud sparks reactions
YEN.com.gh has compiled some reactions to the Federal Government's announcement below:
@EmekaEzeanya said:
"Finally! FG don ban “Dr” for honorary degrees to kill fraud 🔥 No more every politician, pastor and celeb turning cheap ceremony into a full doctor title. The real MDs and PhDs wey suffer for book don dey clap! This is a small but necessary W for education integrity. Next level: stop the fake professors too! 📜✅".
@ezeriohacherian wrote:
"That is very nice and should also see that it is enforced".
@OhiksAustine reacted:
"How bout all these Tradomedical Doctors 😆 🤣 😂".
@AcelifeMoses added:
"It is very reasonable and logical. At least you can now tell who’s a doctor and who’s not. Everyone can’t go about answering Dr Mrs when they clearly didn’t work for it".
@AhmadMaska2 commented:
"The move is to protect the title and stop people from turning the certificate ceremony into a title market. If you no read the book, you no fit answer the question for the viva".
Source: YEN.com.gh
