HONORARY DOCTORAL DEGREE (HONORIS CAUSA AWARD)

1.0 Introduction

An honorary degree is a ceremonial award for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived all of the usual requirements, such as matriculation, attendance, course credits, a dissertation, and the passing of comprehensive examinations. It is also known by the Latin phrases honoris causa (“for the sake of the honour”) or ad honorem (“to the honour”). The degree may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the academic institution or no previous postsecondary education.

The degree is often conferred as a way of honouring a distinguished visitor’s contributions to a specific field or to society in general.

It is sometimes recommended that such degrees be listed in one’s curriculum vitae (CV) as an award, and not academically earned in the education section. Honoris causa degrees are not considered of the same standing as substantive degrees earned by the standard academic processes of courses and original research, except perhaps where the recipient has demonstrated an appropriate level of academic scholarship that would ordinarily qualify him or her for the award of a substantive degree. Therefore, it can no way be equated with academically earned degrees but a standard set aside by higher institutions, to honor those who have by practical experience, commitment and diligence impacted the society tremendously. With regard to the use of this honorific, Awardees may use the title “Dr” before their names in social context within the broader community rather than in educational milieu.

The recipient of this award may add the degree title post-nominally, but it should always be made clear that the degree is honorary by adding “honorary” or “honoris causa”. Example Vitalis Kenneth (Dr.h.c.). In the same instance, a person who holds an honorary doctorate may use the title “Doctor” pre-nominally, abbreviated as “Dr.(h.c.)” before the name. Sometimes, they use “Hon” before the degree letters, for example, “Hon Sc. D”.

Procedures and Guidelines:

2. 1 Criteria and guidelines:  Honorary degrees recognize those who have made profound and enduring contributions to scholarship, culture, and improved quality of life in society at large. Achievements of national or international significance deserve priority consideration. It is important that recipients be persons of great integrity, as the choices we make reflect our values as an institution. There are some necessary restrictions to be considered: In DFICU Universities, nomination for the award of honorary degrees are not extensible to individuals running for public office, especially, in the political space of any government. Honorary degrees are not awarded to minors and to those who really, had not impacted to life in one way or the other, and may not be conferred in absentia.

2.2 Requirements for Nomination

i. Ten (10+) years practical working experience in any field with or without university degrees

ii. Owns a registered business or a principal officer in a public or private firm

iii. Has granted academic scholarship to more than three people in the secondary or university education or has worked as a volunteer in a lifesaving organizations for more than five years or has been a university lecturer for more than five years or has been a religious leader (eg. Bishop, Rev, Pst etc.) for more than ten years.

iv. Willing to contribute to the development of DFICU Universities Group nationwide.

v. A brief profile highlighting your achievement and contribution to humanity (Not more than 300 words, prepared in Microsoft Word format)

vi. A current updated curriculum Vitae

vii. A current passport photograph

viii. Submit to the emails addresses items v, vi, vii above to: award@dfuniversity.org, dfeducational@gmail.com and admission@dfuniversity.org

2.3: Review, selection and notification

The special committee on honorary degrees will screen nominations and recommend, with supporting rationale, up to six finalists to the President, one for each of the six honorary degrees available.

The President will select the nominations to present to the Board of Trustees.

Only the Board of Trustees (Regents) is authorized to award honorary degrees. Only after action by the Board of Trustees (Regents) should the nominee be informed of the honor; this will be coordinated by the Office of the President. Note: candidate may be considered for academic postgraduate diploma in leadership and may be denied of honorary doctorate degree based on achievement and final decision of the BOT. Although, this will be communicated in lieu.

3.0 Confidential:

Every effort will be made to ensure that individual nominations and discussions of nominees be confidential throughout the process. No publicity shall be issued regarding the nominees until final approval by the Board of Trustees.