FEC Approves Council for Award and Use of Honorary Degrees in Nigerian Universities

Abuja, Nigeria, May 6, 2026

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Development Fund, alongside the creation of a Council for the Award and Use of Honorary Degrees in Nigerian universities.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents on resolutions reached during the Council’s latest meeting on matters affecting the education sector.

According to the minister, the National Research and Innovation Development Fund is aimed at unlocking the capabilities of research institutions across the country to accelerate Nigeria’s drive towards achieving a one trillion-dollar economy.

He explained that the initiative would support research, innovation, and integration by creating a centralised innovation hub aligned with national development priorities, while also encouraging collaboration among academia, government, and industry.

FEC also approved the establishment of a Council for the Award and Use of Honorary Degrees in Nigerian universities through the adoption of the Keffi Declaration.

The move, according to the government, is designed to address concerns surrounding the indiscriminate conferment of honorary degrees by higher institutions, safeguard academic integrity, and restore public confidence in the nation’s university system.