Ethiopia Bans Public Use of ‘Doctor’ Title by Honorary Degree Holders

Ethiopia has introduced a new law that prohibits individuals with honorary doctorates from using the title “doctor” outside the awarding institution, following a similar move made recently in Ghana. The legislation, signed in July 2025 by Education Minister Berhanu Nega, aims to regulate the use and conferral of honorary degrees across the country.

Under the directive, only universities that have graduated at least eight cohorts of students and offer advanced degrees such as PhDs are permitted to award honorary doctorates. Newly established institutions are restricted from granting the honor until they meet these criteria. The law also prevents serving government officials, political candidates, full-time employees, senate members, and administrative staff of higher education institutions from being nominated unless they have formally ended their affiliation with the university.

Local reports indicate that the ministry wants institutions to meet both national and international standards before conferring honorary titles. Honorary doctorates, typically awarded to individuals or groups in recognition of significant contributions to their fields, may still be conferred but with stricter oversight.

Ethiopia’s decision mirrors Ghana’s June 2025 directive, when the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission banned the public use of honorary doctorate or professorship titles. Ghanaian authorities warned they would begin naming, shaming, and pursuing legal action against violators, particularly politicians, business leaders, and religious figures.