Conferment of honorary Doctor of Laws degrees on hold

THE Legal Education Board has imposed a moratorium on new applications from law schools for authority to confer honorary Doctor of Laws degrees while it is reviewing its policies on the process.

“Effective immediately, the submission, evaluation and processing of applications for authority to offer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree are hereby suspended until further notice,” the LEB said in a memorandum dated July 20, 2024 signed by its chairperson, Jason Barlis.

“All legal education institutions shall comply with the moratorium on applications for authority to confer an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree during this period. Any unauthorized conferment shall be revoked by the Board and subsequently declared null and void. Further, the legal education institution may also be sanctioned,” it added.

The suspension, the LEB said, will allow it to conduct an “intensive review” of LEB Memorandum Order No.9 or the Policies and Guidelines on the Conferment of Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees to guarantee that its provisions align with the objectives and principles of awarding an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

It added that while the moratorium is in effect, consultation with stakeholders education institutions, law professors, legal professionals, and the general public will be held.

The moratorium, according to the LEB, will also allow it to “develop enhanced provisions, guidelines and requirements” for the program’s re-implementation and approval.