Life not about titles but values

The use of honorary doctorates and professorships is not only deceitful but unethical.

The practice undermines the credibility of the higher education system and devalues the significance of earned doctoral degrees and academic promotions.

Although many believe that the practice is common among politicians, business people and other public figures, it is not uncommon to find people holding onto titles they have not truly earned even in our communities.

Sometimes not out of pride but from a deeper place of disappointment or unfulfilled dreams. Many did not get into the programmes they worked hard for, or life simply took an unexpected turn. Instead of processing that loss, some hold on to an image of who they want to become.

When I was in the service, we would often arrest people in full uniform pretending to be part of the service when they were not. It was shocking, but it also revealed how deeply some people crave recognition, structure or status they feel they missed out on.

This is not just about ego. It is about identity, self-worth, and often silent grief. Pretending becomes a coping mechanism, a way to still feel seen, respected or valued.

We need more open conversations about failure, redirection and healing. Educational systems and communities should normalise changing paths and support those facing career disappointment. 

Access to counselling, mentorship and mental health resources can help people process these challenges and rediscover purpose without clinging to false identities.

And for those who have not yet made it, it is important to encourage such people to know that their journey is not over. They do not have to measure their worth by a title or compare their path to someone else’s timeline. 

We do not need to only name and shame but find a way to let such people know that their value is not in a title. It is in their truth, growth and the impact they make.