Why Everyone’s Suddenly an Honorary Doctor: What’s Really Driving the Title Craze?

I’ve been reflecting on something that’s been on my mind for a while—this growing obsession with titles, especially the "Dr." title, in our society.

Edgar Joseph’s recent commentary (shared sometime in October) reminded me of just how widespread this phenomenon has become, and while I largely agree with his observations, I take exception to one thing: the seemingly unfair targeting of women in high-profile positions.

Edgar’s critique about titles being handed out like confetti has some truth to it. These days, anyone can be a "Dr.," and sometimes you have to wonder whether there’s any real merit behind it. I mean, how many honorary doctorates do we need before they lose all significance?

That being said, the part of his message that caught my attention was the singling out of female Bank MDs as somehow being the "champions" of this title trend. To me, this feels like a thinly veiled attack on the strides women are making in a society that, for decades, has seen men dominate leadership roles.

It’s no secret that patriarchy often casts a long shadow, making it difficult for competent women to rise and be taken seriously in certain spaces. To call out women in particular, in a world where men have for years held the lion’s share of "chief" and "Otunba" titles, feels like a double standard.

The data is clear: women are more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome, more likely to downplay their achievements, not the other way around.

Why, then, do we feel the need to single out women for criticism when they reach positions that have historically been reserved for men?

To be clear, I don’t condone the use of unearned or dubious titles—whether male or female. Coming from a background that values academic rigor and excellence, I find it quite distasteful that honorary doctorates, especially from less-than-reputable institutions, are being handed out with little regard for what it means to hold such a title. In fact, I’ve had my own personal experience with this.

Back in 2006, I received a full scholarship to pursue a PhD in Law at a top university.

Personal circumstances interrupted that journey, and while I’ve planned on returning to academia several times over the years—this time considering a DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) because it’s more relevant to my current interests—life has taken me in different directions. Interestingly, over the past few years, I’ve been offered no fewer than eight honorary doctorates from various institutions.

And I’ll be honest—some of these places sound dubious, to say the least! Institutions you can’t even find on Google are offering to bestow the title of "Dr." It’s laughable.?        

What’s more important to me is the rigour and the responsibility that comes with a title. Being a board director, for example, is not just a badge of honour; it’s a position of responsibility. The same should apply to a doctorate degree.

I’ve turned down titles and positions with organisations that don’t align with my values or whose credibility I question, because at the end of the day, it’s about much more than just the label. It’s about what that label stands for.

I think we all need to take a step back and ask ourselves:?‘What’s behind our obsession with titles?‘?Is it about external validation? Is it about feeling more important in the eyes of others? For me, it goes deeper—it’s about self-worth, and understanding that our value isn’t tied to the number of titles or accolades we collect.?

This idea formed the core of my recent TEDx talk:?Your Life Worth is Not Your Net Worth.? In a world that places so much emphasis on external success markers—titles, money, fame—it’s easy to get caught up in the chase.?

But real success, I believe, is about the impact we have and the integrity we carry, regardless of how many letters appear before or after our names.

So, before we rush to add "Dr." to our business cards, maybe it’s time to consider a few guiding principles:

1. Honorary Titles Don’t Make You a "Dr.":?Even if you’re awarded an honorary degree from a prestigious institution, it’s not a license to demand people refer to you as "Dr." Let it be a mark of respect, not an identity.

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2. Check the Institution’s Credibility:?If you’re going to accept an honorary degree, make sure it’s from a reputable institution. If the school doesn’t pass the Google test, or requires you to pay for the conferment, it’s probably best to politely decline.

3. Earn the Title If It Means That Much:?If being a "Dr." is truly important to you, why not earn it the old-fashioned way? Go through the rigor of an academic journey and emerge with a title you can wear with pride. I see that Lagos Business School just graduated its first set of DBAs! Awesomeness! Mega congrats to the graduates.??????

At the heart of all this is a larger issue of self-worth. Titles will come and go, but the real measure of our lives is the impact we leave behind.?

So here’s my challenge to you:?Take a moment today to reflect on where you’re placing your sense of worth. Is it in external validation—titles, recognition, and accolades—or is it in the authentic value you bring to your work, your community, and the world?

Before adding another title to your name, ask yourself: Am I chasing validation or striving for meaningful impact??

If the answer isn’t clear, it might be time to rethink the weight you place on those letters.?

Let’s commit to focusing on what truly matters—building a legacy of authentic success, rather than collecting titles for the sake of appearances.?

Our worth is measured by the lives we touch, not the titles we wear.?

With Joy and Purpose,?

Your Chief Igniter

Udo Okonjo

PS: Please watch my Tedx Talk- Your LifeWorth is Not Your Networth https://youtu.be/epUEc6sAqsM

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