Proposal for Nomenclature Clarification: Standardizing Doctoral Titles in Nigeria – Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies

Background
The use of doctoral titles has become increasingly nuanced, with various fields and contexts employing the term “Doctor” differently. Recently, Ghana took a significant step by banning honorary doctorate awardees from being addressed as “Dr,” highlighting the need for clarity in nomenclature.

Introduction
The term “Doctor” is widely used across various fields, including medicine, academia, and honorary recognitions. However, the lack of clarity in nomenclature can lead to confusion about the specific roles and qualifications of individuals bearing the title.

This article proposes a standardized system for doctoral titles in Nigeria, drawing inspiration from Ghana’s initiative and adapting it to enhance clarity, precision and respect in professional and social contexts for the distinct qualifications and contributions of different groups.

Proposed Nomenclature

1. Medical Doctor: To be referred to as M.Dr. This title would be reserved for individuals who have earned a doctoral degree in medicine (MBBS, MD, or equivalent) and are qualified to practice medicine.
2. Ph.D Academic Doctor: To be referred to as Ph.Dr. This title would apply to individuals who have earned a doctoral degree in a specific academic field (PhD, DPhil, or equivalent), recognizing their expertise and contributions to research and academia.
3. Honorary Doctor: To be referred to as Hon.Dr. This title would be bestowed upon individuals who have received an honorary doctoral degree in recognition of their outstanding contributions, achievements, or service to a particular field or society. The use of “Hon.” would clearly distinguish honorary titles from earned doctoral degrees.

Rationale

1. Clarity and Precision: Standardizing doctoral titles would eliminate confusion and ensure that individuals are accurately recognized for their qualifications and achievements.
2. Respect for Earned Degrees: Distinguishing between earned doctoral degrees (M.Dr and Ph.Dr) and honorary doctorates (Hon.Dr) would promote respect for the rigorous academic and professional requirements associated with earned degrees.
3. Global Consistency: Adopting a standardized system would align with international efforts to clarify the use of doctoral titles, facilitating clearer communication and recognition across borders.

Benefits

1. Enhanced Professionalism: A standardized nomenclature system would promote professionalism and respect for the unique contributions of medical doctors, academic researchers, and honorary doctorate recipients.
2. Improved Communication: Clear titles would facilitate more accurate and effective communication among professionals, patients, students, and the general public.
3. Recognition of Achievements: The proposed system would ensure that individuals are appropriately recognized for their qualifications, achievements, and contributions, fostering a culture of respect and appreciation.

Conclusion
By adopting a standardized nomenclature system for doctoral titles, we can enhance clarity, precision, and respect for the distinct roles and contributions of different groups. The proposed titles of M.Dr for medical doctors, Ph.Dr for Ph.D holders, and Hon.Dr for honorary doctorate recipients would provide a clear and consistent framework for recognizing and addressing individuals with doctoral qualifications. This initiative would not only promote professionalism and effective communication but also ensure that the value and significance of earned doctoral degrees are appropriately recognized and respected in our Nation, Nigeria while ultimately benefiting the global society as a whole.

Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies is a Professors of Applied Linguistics at the Department of Linguistics, IAUE, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria