Abuja, Nigeria — A cross-section of Nigerian academics has raised alarm over the growing misuse and commercialisation of academic titles in the country. They say the trend is harming the credibility of the nation’s education system.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Experts warn that some individuals are buying or falsely claiming academic titles to gain respect, jobs, or influence, rather than earning them through study and research. They describe this practice as a serious threat to professional standards.

Professor Chukwuemeka Okoro, a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, said, “The abuse of academic titles has become very common. People now see degrees and professorships as commodities. This undermines our universities and the hard work of genuine scholars.”

Reports indicate that some Nigerians have obtained titles through unverified online platforms, private institutions, or direct purchase. These titles are sometimes used in resumes, business dealings, or social recognition, often without proper academic training or experience.

The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) has expressed concern, saying such practices erode trust in the country’s education system. NAL President, Professor Maryam Abubakar, said, “When titles are misused, it affects research quality, professional integrity, and public confidence. Our academic institutions must take steps to prevent this trend.”

Education experts also link the problem to gaps in regulation and oversight. Many universities and professional bodies have rules to ensure proper awarding of degrees and titles, but enforcement is weak. In some cases, diploma mills and unaccredited institutions exploit these gaps to sell fake qualifications.

Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, explained, “The commercialisation of academic titles is partly driven by high demand. Some people want fast recognition, while some institutions see financial gain. Both sides contribute to a growing problem.”

The trend has raised concern beyond academia. Employers, professional associations, and government agencies sometimes struggle to verify the authenticity of claimed titles, which can lead to unqualified individuals holding key positions.

Authorities say awareness and stricter verification processes are needed. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has advised Nigerians to confirm academic qualifications through official channels. NUC spokesperson, Mr. Peter Adebayo, said, “Anyone presenting a degree or title must ensure it comes from a recognized institution. Employers should always check credentials to maintain standards.”

Some academics are calling for tougher penalties for individuals and organizations that sell or misuse academic titles. Suggestions include revoking fake titles, blacklisting institutions involved in the sale of degrees, and public awareness campaigns to educate the public about legitimate qualifications.

The issue also has wider social implications. Scholars argue that the credibility of Nigerian education affects international recognition, research collaboration, and the country’s reputation. Misuse of titles can diminish the value of genuine academic achievement.

As Nigerians increasingly pursue higher education and professional recognition, academics stress the need to uphold integrity. “Education should be about knowledge, research, and service to society,” said Professor Okoro. “We cannot let shortcuts and money replace genuine achievement.”

The debate is ongoing, with calls for universities, professional bodies, and government agencies to work together to stop the misuse and commercialisation of academic titles in Nigeria.