The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has issued a directive to Malawian media houses and practitioners nationwide to stop addressing recipients of honorary doctorate degrees as “Doctor” (Dr), either verbally or in writing.
In a statement signed by Chairperson Dr. Estone Y. Sambo, NCHE expressed serious concern over the continued misuse of the title “Doctor” by some media outlets when referring to honorary doctorate holders.
“Guideline 4(c) of the Statement calls on members of academia and the public, including the media not to address a recipient of an honorary doctorate orally or in writing as ‘Doctor’ (“Dr”),” the Council said. “The title ‘Dr’ should not be prefixed to the names of honorary degree recipients in academic or professional use.”
The Council emphasised that honorary doctorates do not hold the same academic weight as earned doctorates, which require formal study, research, and examination. Therefore, honorary degree recipients should not use the title “Dr” in professional or academic contexts.
NCHE also highlighted the critical role of ethical and accurate media reporting in fostering an informed citizenry and supporting national development. The Council called on media houses to collaborate with the Ministry of Higher Education to promote integrity and authenticity in higher education practices.
“The Council is appealing to the media to exercise their role by promoting quality, accessible, relevant and inclusive higher education and training in Malawi. This includes, among other things, not addressing a recipient of an honorary doctorate as “Dr,” emphasised NCHE.
The Council further outlined the official protocols higher education institutions must follow when conferring honorary doctorates, including transparent nomination and selection processes, prohibition of awards in exchange for money or property, and formal conferral during official convocation ceremonies.
Additionally, only institutions that have graduated doctorate students themselves may award honorary doctorates, and such degrees may be revoked if the recipient’s conduct damages the institution’s reputation.
