Nigeria, Jan. 29 -- A mild debate broke out on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday following concerns over the public use of honorary academic titles by lawmakers.

The issue was raised by Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers) under a matter of personal explanation during plenary, where he urged the House to clearly distinguish between honorary degrees and doctoral degrees obtained through formal academic labour.

Mr Abiante's intervention followed an announcement earlier made by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who informed the House of an honorary doctorate conferred on the Deputy Majority Leader, Abdullahi Halims (APC, Kogi), by the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State.

While congratulatory announcements of thi...