Ethiopia Bans Use of “Doctor” Title for Honorary Degree Holders
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education has rolled out a sweeping directive that bars recipients of honorary doctorates from using the title “Doctor” beyond the campus of the institution that conferred it.
The regulation — signed by Minister of Education Berhanu Nega in July 2025 — is aimed at protecting academic integrity and ensuring that such distinctions are awarded and applied with due propriety.
“These measures will help preserve the prestige and credibility of academic titles,” the Ministry told PulseNets, stressing that honorary awards must reflect genuine achievement rather than political influence or institutional favouritism.
Political Figures and Candidates Excluded
Under the new rules, serving government officials and political candidates are expressly banned from being nominated for honorary doctorates. PulseNets learnt that this exclusion is intended to prevent the award from being used as a political tool or campaign advantage.
Only Qualified Universities Can Confer the Award
The directive also sets strict eligibility criteria for institutions. Only universities that have successfully graduated at least eight cohorts of students and offer advanced degrees such as PhDs are authorised to grant honorary doctorates.
Furthermore, those universities must meet both national and international academic standards before conferring such honours.
Restrictions on University Employees
The Ministry reported that full-time staff, Senate members, and administrative employees of higher education institutions cannot be nominated for the honour unless their employment has officially ended. This clause, officials told PulseNets, is designed to avoid internal bias and safeguard the award’s credibility.
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Who Can Receive an Honorary Doctorate?
According to the directive, the award can be granted to Ethiopian or foreign nationals — whether individuals or groups, living or deceased — who have made significant contributions to their professional fields.
PulseNets learnt that the Ministry’s emphasis is on recognising tangible impact and meritorious service, ensuring that honorary doctorates remain a mark of excellence rather than an ornamental title.
