Title Tussle: NARD Blasts NUC for ‘Ridiculing’ Medical Profession with New Prefix Rule

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has strongly criticized the recent decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to confer the title of “Doctor” on graduates of Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry programs.

In a statement shared on its official handle on Thursday, NARD emphasized that while it supports the advancement and improved welfare of all healthcare professionals, blurring the lines between medical doctors and other practitioners poses serious risks to public understanding and the healthcare system at large.

“The attention of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has been drawn to the NUC’s recent move to upgrade degree titles in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry to ‘Doctor’ status,” the statement read. “While we do not oppose progress for our colleagues in other fields, this change—without adequate public education—could mislead patients and escalate confusion.”

NARD warned that in a country where public awareness about healthcare roles is already low, the indiscriminate use of the “Dr” title could foster misinformation and encourage quackery.

The group also expressed concern that recent years have seen an increasing rivalry from non-medical health worker groups, with many of their agitations focused more on parity with doctors than on meaningful health reforms.

“From 2005 to 2025, most industrial actions by these groups have been aimed at aligning the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) meant for doctors,” the group stated.

NARD further argued that, globally, medical doctors remain the primary authorities in diagnosis and treatment decisions, and this is reflected in compensation structures and clinical governance frameworks worldwide.

The association dismissed the NUC’s justification of “global best practices,” noting that in countries like the United Kingdom and Germany, pharmacists and physiotherapists are not referred to as “Doctor” after undergraduate training—unless they earn a PhD.

“Such international systems are based on clear clinical boundaries, strong regulatory oversight, and well-defined healthcare roles,” NARD stressed. “Labeling everyone a ‘Doctor’ without such structure in place undermines interprofessional collaboration and puts patient care at risk.”