Government Restricts Use of “Doctor” Title for Honorary Degree Holders
TEC News!
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education has issued a new directive limiting the use of the title “Doctor” by recipients of honorary doctorates. Under the rules, signed by Education Minister Berhanu Nega in July 2025, holders may only use the title within the awarding institution.
The directive also bans serving government officials and political candidates from being nominated for honorary doctorates. In addition, newly established universities are barred from granting the distinction unless they have graduated at least eight cohorts and offer doctoral-level degrees such as PhDs.
Universities that do not meet these requirements, or fail to comply with national and international standards, are prohibited from conferring honorary doctorates.
Eligible recipients — Ethiopian or foreign — must have made outstanding contributions to their professional fields. Awards may be granted to individuals or groups, living or deceased, if they meet the outlined criteria.
Section Two, Article 10 of the directive further forbids nominations for full-time staff, Senate members, or administrators of higher education institutions unless they have formally ended their employment.
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