The directive prohibits higher education institutions that have not graduated 8 rounds of students and do not offer third degrees or PhD from granting honorary doctorates.

This directive, signed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Berhanu Nega, addressed to relevant stakeholders, prohibits recently established educational institutions from granting honorary doctorates.

The directive, which states that an Ethiopian or other citizen can receive an honorary doctorate if he or she has made a special contribution to the field of expertise, indicates that it can be awarded to an individual or a group if they meet the criteria.

This directive, which allows the title to be awarded to a living or deceased person, also lists the restrictions under Part Two, Article 10, that cannot be awarded an honorary doctorate.

Accordingly, it has been stipulated that full-time employees of a higher education institution, members of the Senate, or administrative bodies cannot be nominated for an honorary doctorate until their direct relationship with the institution has ended. The directive also prohibits serving government officials or officials from being nominated for an honorary doctorate.