In a striking address at the Federal University of Lafia's combined convocation ceremony, President Bola Tinubu, through Mr Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), issued a stern warning against the indiscriminate award of honorary degrees by Nigerian universities. But why this caution, and what implications does it hold for the future of academic integrity and the broader educational landscape in Nigeria?
In a significant move to uphold academic integrity within Nigerian universities, President Bola Tinubu has emphatically cautioned against the indiscriminate conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees. This admonition was delivered during the combined convocation ceremony for the 6th, 7th, and 8th batches of graduates from the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on a recent Saturday.
| 🗣️ Speaker | President Bola Tinubu |
| 📍 Event | FULafia Combined Convocation |
| 📅 Date | Saturday in Lafia, Nasarawa State |
| 🎓 Issue | Indiscriminate Award of Honorary Degrees |
| 🛑 Warning | Against undermining academic integrity |
| 🏛️ Representative | Mr Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary, NUC |
| 📚 Expectation | Honorary degrees for those truly deserving |
| 💼 Government Support | Commitment to addressing infrastructural deficit in universities |
A Call for Academic Integrity and Moral Standards
Represented by Mr Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), President Tinubu underscored the essence of awarding degrees to candidates who are not only academically competent but also embody exemplary character and learning. He stressed that the true value of university education extends beyond academic competence and professional training; it encompasses moral training and ethical standards essential for nation-building.
Key Highlights from President Tinubu’s Address
- Upholding Integrity: The President highlighted the crucial role of universities in modelling the highest standards of integrity, probity, and moral discipline within their academic and administrative realms.
- Concern over Honorary Degrees: A specific concern was raised regarding the trend of some institutions diluting the prestige of their degrees by indiscriminately awarding honorary doctorates, deviating from established academic practices.
- Criteria for Honorary Degrees: Honorary degrees, as stated by President Tinubu, should be reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to society, thereby preserving the honour and significance of such recognitions.
Promises of Support and Infrastructure Development
President Tinubu also pledged unwavering support to address the needs of universities and their communities, aiming to reposition them for enhanced output. A commitment was made to tackle the infrastructural deficit plaguing Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions, ensuring a conducive environment for learning and development.
Commendations and Commitments from State Governance
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, in his goodwill message, lauded the efforts of FULafia’s management in training students and promised entrepreneurial training and financial support to all First Class graduates from the institution. This initiative is part of the broader support aimed at empowering graduates and fostering the university’s role in national development.
Achievements and Future Prospects of FULafia
Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahman, Vice Chancellor of FULafia, provided an overview of the university’s growth and achievements since its inception in 2011. Highlighting the expansion into new faculties and programs, including a College of Medicine and a School of Postgraduate Studies, he reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to integrity, innovation, and excellence. The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the support from President Tinubu, Governor Sule, and other partners, which has been pivotal in the university’s development.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s cautionary advice to Nigerian universities marks a critical step towards reinforcing the sanctity of academic qualifications and ensuring that honorary degrees maintain their prestigious status. This initiative, coupled with the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure, sets a progressive path for the academic and moral development of the country’s future leaders. As FULafia celebrates its graduates, the broader academic community is reminded of the enduring values of integrity, excellence, and societal contribution that form the cornerstone of true academic achievement.