Constitutional lawyer and scholar Professor Makau Mutua has sparked conversation in academic circles and beyond with a strong statement urging people to refrain from using the “Dr” title unless they have earned it through rigorous academic study.
In a recent statement, Professor Mutua criticized individuals who use the title “Dr” based solely on honorary doctorates, which are awarded without the completion of a formal academic program. “Don’t use the title ‘Dr’ if a university has granted you an honorary doctorate known in Latin as honoris causa,” Mutua stated. “The title ‘Dr’ is reserved for those who’ve actually EARNED an MD or a terminal degree such as a PhD in a field after years of rigorous academic study. Cease and desist!”
The statement has sparked a debate among academics and professionals, as many have defended the practice of acknowledging honorary degrees with the “Dr” title, while others support Mutua’s strict distinction between earned academic qualifications and honorary recognition.
Professor Mutua’s comments emphasize that titles should reflect the depth and rigor of one’s educational journey, especially in fields requiring extensive research and study. His call to “cease and desist” has been seen as a challenge to institutions and individuals to maintain the integrity of academic titles.
The debate has also raised questions about how society values honorary achievements versus formal academic accomplishments, with some suggesting that honorary doctorates should come with clearer guidelines about how the title “Dr” should be used.
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