HONORARY DOCTORATE VS. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD): UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE.

Some days ago, I stumbled into a conversation where a few friends were discussing and debating the concept of honorary doctorate degrees. One of them mistakenly referred to an "honorary PhD" as being the same as an honorary doctorate. This common misconception prompted me to offer this clarification.

To begin with, the term "honorary PhD" is technically incorrect. What exists is the honorary doctorate, not an honorary PhD. These two should not be conflated.

An honorary doctorate is a symbolic academic honour bestowed by a university upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society, a profession, or humanity at large. It is not earned through academic study or research but is conferred in recognition of achievements in fields such as leadership, arts, public service, philanthropy, or humanitarian work. Typically awarded during convocation ceremonies, this degree does not require the recipient to have undergone any formal academic training or completed a dissertation.

On the other hand, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an earned academic degree. It is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an extensive and rigorous program involving advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, and original research culminating in a defended dissertation. PhD is globally recognized as a symbol of scholarly competence and intellectual contribution to a specific field of study. Holders of this degree are entitled to use the title “Doctor” in academic, professional, and research settings.

While both the honorary doctorate and the PhD may carry the title “Doctor,” their meanings differ significantly. The honorary degree is ceremonial and symbolic; the PhD is the result of years of disciplined academic endeavour. Though honorary recipients may use the title “Doctor” in informal or honorary contexts, academic conventions usually reserve the formal use of the title for those who have earned it through study, research, and scholarly output. In such cases, honorary titles are often accompanied by the Latin phrase honoris causa (h.c.) to denote their honorary nature.

In conclusion, the honorary doctorate is a mark of esteem and public recognition, but it does not carry the same academic weight as the PhD. The PhD remains a prestigious credential earned through intellectual rigour, dedication, and original scholarship. It is the hallmark of deep academic commitment and a profound contribution to human knowledge.

In praise of all who pursue and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence.

NWACHUKWU KINGSLEY BUHARI 

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