The House of Representatives was plunged into a mild drama during Wednesday’s plenary over the propriety of using honorary academic titles in public. The controversy followed the announcement of an honorary doctorate awarded to a Kogi State lawmaker.
The session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, began with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas reading a letter notifying the House of an honor bestowed upon the Deputy Majority Leader, Abdullahi Halims, by the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
Hon. Halims, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing the Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, informed the House through the Speaker that the state-owned institution had conferred an Honorary Doctorate on him.
As lawmakers offered their congratulations, Halims rose and held his certificate aloft, turning to display it to his colleagues. However, the gesture drew an immediate reaction from Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers), who objected to what he described as a blurring of the lines between earned academic degrees and honorary awards.
Recognized by the Deputy Speaker to speak, Abiante argued that honorary awards should not be equated with rigorous academic achievement.
“There is a clear-cut distinction between honorary doctorate degrees and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). They are two different things,” Abiante stated. “That is why some of us, when we stand up, do not introduce ourselves as ‘Doctor this’ or ‘Doctor that.’ I will not sacrifice my labor in the academic environment for someone who just got honored. Let us have that distinction, sir.”
Though no further debate was entertained on the floor, Abiante’s remarks were met with loud approval from several lawmakers across party lines.
In his ruling, Deputy Speaker Kalu directed the House Committee on Rules and Business to examine the concerns raised and make recommendations on how the House should formally address the distinction between honorary and earned doctoral degrees.
The exchange touches on a long-standing controversy in Nigeria regarding the social and professional use of honorary titles. Universities, both public and private, frequently confer these degrees on politicians, business leaders, and public figures—often in recognition of philanthropy or political influence.
Unlike a PhD, honorary doctorates do not require academic coursework, original research, or the defense of a thesis. International academic convention generally discourages recipients from adopting the “Dr.” title in formal or professional settings, except during ceremonial occasions related to the issuing institution.
In Nigeria, however, the practice is widespread, leading to criticism from academic circles. Scholars argue that the liberal use of such titles diminishes the value of rigorous research and academic training. Critics have also raised concerns regarding the potential commercialization of these honors.
Wednesday’s episode indicates that the debate has now reached the highest levels of the legislature. Lawmakers appear to be seeking an institutional position that respects honorary awards while preserving the integrity and prestige of earned academic qualifications.
