However, reverse is the case, as a lot of Nigerians now have the prefix, Dr, before their names. It is not uncommon for many of them to announce on social media or even celebrate these awards in the traditional media. Some others do not even announce it; they only make it public, especially politicians, when it becomes a contended issue. In this report, GBENGA SALAU looks at how these degrees are dished out by institutes and professional bodies that are not degree awarding institutions.
So, honorary doctorate degrees are not products of the traditional academic coursework or research, but awarded based on the beneficiaries’ attainment in society. He, nonetheless, maintained that typically honorary doctorate degrees are offered by universities or equivalent higher institutions of learning and research.
These institutes, in fact, confer the honorary doctorate degrees on civil servants, politicians, religious leaders, businessmen and women as well as union leaders, even though these persons did not study to acquire the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The founder of Okanlawon Foundation, David Olusegun Okanlawon, is one of accomplished Nigerians who were awarded honorary doctorate degrees by professional institutes and not universities. He has a Doctor of Business Administration DBA from the Maverick Business Academy, London, United Kingdom.
“The ILMMD is Africa’s prestige professional body for leaders, development executives, specialists, business experts, spokespersons, practitioners, administrators, consultants, entrepreneurs, politicians, philanthropists, ambassadors, coaches, etc., who utilise leadership, manpower and management as their most indispensable resources for development.
“The ICPSP is dedicated to supporting professionals whose daily effort impact people’s lives in ways that are felt far beyond the workplace; by helping to create better managers and leaders, we are creating a better society,” the institute said. For those to be honored in Lagos, the certificate will be issued by Maverick Business Academy, London, United Kingdom; those to be awarded in Dubai, the certificate could be issued by either of these three institutions: Azteca University, Mexico; American University in Switzerland; or Maverick Business Academy, London, while those to be conferred the award in Portugal, the certificate will be issued by Azteca University, Mexico.
A verification of the profile of M-Gibes College of Business and Management, UK online revealed that it is a business school based in Ghana, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates and an administrative office in London, United Kingdom, giving international students access to outstanding business and management faculties from around the world.