The National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday reaffirmed that Doctorate degree (Ph.D) was a prerequisite for the attainment of professorship in the nation's university system.

Prof. Julius Okojie, the Executive Secretary of NUC, made the clarification in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin.

Okojie said that acquisition of a PhD was mandatory for any lecturer who aspired to the professorial position.

He said a letter had been sent to various universities across the country.

According to him, the PhD must not only be from a recognised university, it must also be cognate to the specific discipline.

"However, in the interim, only the fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College as it relates to Medical and Dental Clinical teachers is accepted by the NUC.

"This is a suitable alternative to the Ph.D until the framework for Ph.D for Clinical Medical and Dental Doctors has been finalised," he said.

He advised vice-chancellors to ensure strict adherence to the requirement and to seek clarification from NUC in the event of any doubt.