A session of Nigeria’s House of Representatives turned contentious on Wednesday as lawmakers debated the propriety of honorary academic titles following the announcement that a Kogi State lawmaker had been conferred an honorary doctorate. Deputy Majority Leader Abdullahi Halims, representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, was honoured by Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba with the honorary degree, prompting applause from colleagues but also sharp objections from some members who say the public use of such titles blurs important distinctions in academic recognition.

The controversy erupted when Rivers State lawmaker Awaji-Inombek Abiante challenged the celebration of the award on the House floor, stressing that honorary doctorates should not be equated with academic qualifications like the Doctor of Philosophy. He argued that using the “Dr” title based on an honorary award undermines the years of rigour required for an earned doctorate and could mislead the public about a legislator’s academic credentials. The Deputy Speaker subsequently directed the House Committee on Rules and Business to examine the issue and recommend how the legislature should formally address the use and public recognition of honorary versus earned titles.

The episode underscores a wider national debate in Nigeria over the value and proper use of honorary degrees — symbolic awards universities give to distinguished individuals for service or impact, but which do not involve academic coursework or research. Critics argue that widespread use of such titles by public officials may devalue genuine academic achievement, an issue the National Universities Commission has also addressed through recent efforts to regulate honorary degrees and curb misuse, including discouraging the public use of the “Dr” prefix without proper context.