The Federal Government Has More Orders to Issue -By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

No one takes up the title of Dr for head like the famous praise singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara. His predicament began when a university under the aegis of European-American University conferred him with the honorary doctorate degree. When the university was later discovered as a mushroom, given how he initially took the title with glamour and pageantry,  Rarara received ridicule for his life.

Perhaps Rarara’s fanfare and grandeur in celebrating the honour stem from mockery over his lack of formal education; as a result, mockers say he doesn’t understand English. Rarara, floating the Dr title would have been a slap to the face of these mockers.

The award of an honorary doctorate degree was initially given to figures who excel extraordinarily in their field of endeavour, and thus rendered landmark service to their community.  For example, an honorary doctorate to Dr Mamman Shata, Ibrahim Babangida, and Aliko Dangote. However, some universities are now believed to resort to awarding the honorary title quid pro quo. Therefore, the recent Federal government order to bar indiscriminate use of the Dr title is seen as long overdue.

A doctor is simply referring to someone qualified to teach at the highest level. But a blurred line existed between doctors of medicine and a doctor of philosophy.  Because when “doctor” is mentioned, given our culture of genericization of brand names, we subconsciously refer to medicine. This is why every toothpaste is a Close-Up, every milk is a Peak, chocolate Milo, seasoning cubes Maggi, instant noodles Indamine, washing detergent Omo or clean, bleach Hypo, and every antiseptic liquid Dettol. Therefore, after the federal government succeeded to stop abusing Dr title, they had many more disputes to settle. Including clearing this genericization ambiguity.

Another order Professor Suwaiba Ahmad has to issue is regarding herbal practitioners. The herbalists called themselves doctors, and society also addressed them as such. As traditionalists, perhaps the federal government should order them to stick with the traditional names they are known by:  Mallam (Hausa), Oníṣègùn (Yoruba), Ọnyọ́gwọ́ (Igbo), Oma-oyi (Idoma), Vingir (Tiv), Oboh (Igala), Amawato (Ijaw), Malam (Hausa & Kanuri), and Gandoowo (Fulfulde).

There is also abuse of the title Dr. among Nigerian students. A year one student of medicine, or a PhD, calls themselves doctors. When do these under breastfeeding qualify to train others?  The minister needs to issue a warning order.

The most hilarious part is when remedial or matric students are addressed as doctors. Students in this category who intend to study MBBS address themselves as “Dr.” As a matter of urgency, the Honourable Minister should issue a stern warning against this misuse of the professional title “Doctor.”

Titles are held with high regard in Africa. It appears that the longer the titles, the more important the person. So in this regard, the former Gambian and Ugandan presidents stand out. Yahya Jameh is addressed as Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh, Babili Mansa (Conqueror of Rivers” in Mandinka), His Excellency, Master of the River Gambia, Lord of the Animals and Birds of the River Gambia, President of the Republic of the Gambia, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Idi Amin’s title is much more glamorous: His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular.