The Fuss About Honorary Doctorate Is Unnecessary

ULOKA CHIBUIKE 

I completely understand the concerns of academics who protest the use of the “Dr” prefix by those who attained it without the required knowledge and skill, and oppose the proliferation of Honorary Doctorates. While their concerns may be valid, it doesn’t justify attacking those who were privileged to be honored, regardless of your reservations.

In all fields, there are reservations for Honorary titles, and this extends beyond academia alone. Organizations and institutions, as long as permitted by laws, have the prerogative to honor individuals they deem worthy. Those honored are entitled to the benefits of such honors, but it doesn’t automatically equip them with the required knowledge and skills.

The fundamental significance of awards and titles lies in the acquired knowledge and skills rather than just the prefix they carry.

Many individuals are admitted into various councils, whether religious, traditional, academic, or otherwise, on an Honorary basis. However, their functions are limited and cannot be equated to those who have fulfilled the regular requirements.

Those in academia should not assume that their efforts are being undermined or devalued. In reality, pretenders know they are one. It is even demeaning for certain individuals to parade mere ceremonial titles without the knowledge attached to it; for me, it’s a deliberate set-up.

The fuss is unnecessary.

Ọ bụrụ kwa maka Oyi Nwanne m! Upeeeeh he’s a “Dr.” and nothing can change that.

As an Ezemụọ I’m entitled to be addressed as Dr. ULOKA Chibuike.