Honorary Doctorate 

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The Honorary Doctorate (causa)is a professional recognition that provides an independent quality assurance reference for highly qualified professionals from all fields, for those who strive for personal excellence, and who become a motivating example in their communities. An Honorary Doctorate is not an academic degree, consequently the usual academic requirements of a doctorate are waived. The Honorary Doctorate is an honorary degree that may be considered to have the same standing, and to grant the same privileges and style of address as the Doctor Honoris Causa. In practice, however, such degrees tend to be popularly considered not to be of the same standing as academic doctorates, except where the recipient has demonstrated an appropriate level of academic scholarship. Having an honorary degree doesn’t grant you any certain privileges professionally, but it can provide you with prestige and additional recognition. Typically, it grants you the following: Having formal recognition as a person with a high honor. Using the title “doctor” before your name.

Obtaining An Honorary Doctorate

An honorary doctorate is an honor that is a result of a person’s outstanding achievements and or contribution to a certain discipline or in society. In most cases, the process starts with the nominations for the candidates who can show the accomplishments and impact in the specified areas. These nominations are reviewed by the Honorary Doctorate Award Council (HDAC), where the candidates are assessed from the aspects of originality, managerial skills, community value, and ethics. An organized system of choosing the honourees is followed and no preference is given to anyone thereby giving deserving people their due. On being selected for the honorary degree, the recipient is then invited to come for a graduation ceremony where the degree is bestowed on him or her. This occasion aims at honoring them as well as offering them an opportunity to pass their knowledge and discoveries to other people. Receiving an honoris causa doctorate from HDAC is a status gain and the honor received enlarges the recipient’s sphere of power and competency to transform the world. In this case, the documents act as an appreciation for their hard work and achievements hence motivating them to go further in their contributions in the change they want to see in the society or in their respective fields.

Here are general principles for awarding an Honorary Doctorate from your institution:

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1. Purpose and Intent

• Honorary doctorates should be awarded to recognise exceptional contributions in fields such as:

• Education and Research

• Arts, Literature, and Culture

• Science and Technology

• Social Service and Humanitarian Work

• Leadership in Public Service and Business 

• Faith and Inter-Religious Harmony

• The award is symbolic, not an academic qualification, and should uphold the values and mission of the institution.

2. Eligibility Criteria

• Recipient must have outstanding achievements with a proven impact on society, community, or profession.

• Should possess a high moral character and reputation, with no criminal or unethical background.

• Cannot be:

A current student or employee of the institution.

Someone seeking personal or political gain.

Public figures such as politicians or business leaders should only be considered if their contribution transcends personal interest and benefits society at large.

3. Selection Process

• Nomination: Apply through online application 

• Open or by invitation through faculty, trustees, or recognized bodies.

• Screening:

• Conduct a thorough background check.

• Verify contributions with credible references.

• Approval:

• Final decision by Board of Governors or Academic Council of the institution.

• Documentation:

• Maintain minutes of approval and justification for awarding.

4. Restrictions and Ethical Guidelines

• Honorary degrees must not be sold, exchanged, or given for donations or political influence.

• The title should not mislead the public as an academic qualification.

• Should avoid controversy by ensuring transparency in selection.

5. Types of Honorary Doctorates

• Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) – For contributions in Arts, Literature, Social Service and business 

• Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) – For contributions in Science and Technology.

• Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) – For contributions in Law, Governance, and Public Service.

• Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) – For contributions in Religion and Interfaith Harmony.

6. Conferment Ceremony

• Should be awarded during a formal academic function such as a Convocation or Special Ceremony.

• Public announcement with a citation highlighting achievements.

• Ensure dignity and academic decorum during the event.