Nigeria, June 11 -- The Nigerian government has approved new regulations governing the awarding and use of honorary doctorates, a move aimed at addressing longstanding concerns over the alleged abuse and commercialisation of the honours within Nigeria's university system.

The guidelines, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), introduce stricter eligibility requirements for universities, restrict the number of awards that can be conferred, and prohibit recipients from adopting the title "Dr" on the strength of honorary degrees.

Announcing the policy in a statement signed by the Ministry of Education spokesperson, Folashade Boriowo, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the framework was designed to strengthen academic i...