In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling trend: An alarming increase in the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on political figures, many of whom have questionable records in public service. This surge raises significant concerns about the integrity of these awards and the values they represent.

If this trend continues unchecked, we may find ourselves in a situation where, by the year 2045, a substantial number of at least 50 percentage of politicians in top positions are honoured with degrees for little more than their status or financial capacity, rather than any genuine contributions to society. This is because, institutions are now turning honorary doctorate award to a bazaar sale where the highest bidder is envisioned at prior meeting of few individuate at awarding institutions.

Honorary Doctorates are intended to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields or society at large. They are conferred by academic institutions as a way to honour exemplary achievements in areas such as academia, arts and culture, public service, business, humanitarian efforts, and sports. Notable recipients of Honorary Doctorates in Nigeria include figures like Wole Soyinka, the first African Laureate of the Nobel Prize in Literature; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a distinguished Economist and former Minister of Finance; and Aliko Dangote, a renowned Entrepreneur who has made substantial investments in the Nigerian economy, including several others. These individuals exemplify the spirit of what Honorary Doctorates should represent. Their contributions have not only advanced their respective fields but have also had a lasting positive impact on Nigerian society. Their achievements stand as a testament to the potential of hard work, dedication, and service to humanity.

However, the recent trend of awarding Honorary Doctorates to politicians raises serious questions. Many of these individuals have not demonstrated comparable level of commitment to public service or societal betterment as those who have traditionally been honoured. Instead, some of them have been implicated in corruption, mismanagement, or other forms of malfeasance. When institutions confer honorary degrees on such figures, it not only tarnishes the reputation of the award but also sends a disheartening message to the public—one that suggests that status and wealth can overshadow genuine merit.

This practice undermines the very essence of what an Honorary Doctorate is meant to signify. It risks creating a culture where recognition is based more on financial contributions or political connections rather than on actual achievements and contributions to society.

Moreover, there is a growing concern that many institutions are motivated by financial gain when they award Honorary Doctorates. Politicians and wealthy individuals often make substantial donations to universities and colleges, which can lead to a quid pro quo arrangement where the award is used as a means of securing funding rather than recognizing true merit. This practice is not only unethical but also detrimental to the integrity of academic institutions.

By prioritizing financial contributions over genuine accomplishments, these institutions risk compromising their own values and credibility. The awarding of honorary degrees should never be seen as a transaction; it should be a recognition earned through hard work, dedication, and significant contributions to society. When academic institutions engage in this practice, they perform an action that is detrimental not only to their reputation but also to the value of the honorary degrees they confer. The dilution of such honours can lead to scepticism about the legitimacy of all honorary awards.

If society begins to perceive these degrees as mere tokens given to those who can afford them or who wield political power, it undermines the value of genuine achievements and contributions. The erosion of respect for Honorary Doctorates could lead to a situation where future recipients are viewed with suspicion rather than admiration. This is a disservice not only to those who have genuinely earned their honours but also to the academic institutions that bestow them.

It is imperative that awarding institutions reassess their criteria for conferring Honorary Doctorates. These awards should not be purchased; they should be reserved for individuals whose achievements are beyond reproach. Institutions must take a stand against the trend of awarding degrees based on political connections or financial contributions alone.

To restore the integrity of Honorary Doctorates, institutions should follow or establish clear guidelines that prioritize genuine contributions to society over financial incentives. They must also engage in thorough vetting processes to ensure that recipients have demonstrated exemplary commitment to their fields and communities. As we move forward, it is crucial for both academic institutions and society at large to uphold the standards associated with Honorary Doctorates. By doing so, we can ensure that these awards retain their value and significance.

Honouring individuals who have made meaningful contributions serves not only as recognition for their efforts but also as inspiration for future generations. It sets a standard for excellence and encourages others to aspire toward greatness in their respective fields.

In closing, I urge our academic institutions to reflect on their practices regarding Honorary Doctorates. Let us honour those who truly deserve it—Individuals whose achievements inspire us all—and reject the notion that such awards can be wielded as tools for personal gain or political favour. The future integrity of our educational institutions and societal values depends on it.