Abdullahi Halims’ honorary doctorate sparks debate in Nigeria’s House of Representatives over the use of honorary versus earned academic titles
The House of Representatives experienced a brief moment of drama on Wednesday over the use of honorary academic titles following the announcement that Deputy Majority Leader Abdullahi Halims had received an honorary doctorate from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
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The session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Dr Benjamin Kalu, began with petitions and motions of urgent public importance, before Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read a letter notifying the House of the award to Halims, a member representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency of Kogi State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress.
As colleagues congratulated him, Halims held the certificate aloft to display it to fellow lawmakers.
The gesture prompted objection from opposition member Awaji-Inombek Abiante of Rivers State, who argued that honorary doctorates should not be conflated with earned academic degrees.
“There is a clear-cut distinction between Honorary Doctorate degrees and Doctor of Philosophy. They are two different things,” Abiante said. “I will not sacrifice my labour in the academic environment for someone who just got honoured. Let us have that distinction, sir.”
Abiante’s remarks drew widespread applause from members across party lines. Deputy Speaker Kalu subsequently directed the House Committee on Rules and Business to review the matter and provide guidance on the formal recognition and use of honorary versus earned doctoral titles.
The exchange highlights an ongoing controversy in Nigeria over honorary doctorates, which are frequently conferred by universities on politicians, business leaders, entertainers, and other public figures in recognition of philanthropy, influence, or societal contributions.
Unlike a PhD, honorary degrees do not require academic coursework, research, or a defended thesis, and international convention discourages the use of the “Dr” title in professional contexts.
Critics in Nigeria have raised concerns that the proliferation of honorary degrees undermines the value of academic achievement and encourages the use of such awards as status symbols.
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The House debate marks the latest development in an ongoing conversation about how the distinction between honorary and earned degrees should be maintained, particularly for public officials.
