A language expert, Dr. David Ileube also known as the “Grammar Doctor” has advised Nigerians to avoid using full stops in abbreviations of academic degrees, particularly when writing in standard British English.
The advice was shared by the English Usage Clinic in a social media post, where the platform explained that abbreviations of academic qualifications are generally written without full stops in modern British English.
The post listed common examples, including NCE, HND, BA, BSc, MBBS, LLB, MA, MSc and PhD.
It cautioned against forms such as N.C.E, H.N.D, B.A, B.Sc, M.A, M.Sc and P.H.D, describing them as inconsistent with the preferred British English style.
However, the English Usage Clinic noted that American English may use full stops in some degree abbreviations, citing Ph.D as an example.
The platform urged members of the public to pay closer attention to how they write their academic qualifications, particularly in professional and academic settings.
The post was signed by the “Grammar Doctor,” who described the English Usage Clinic as a platform dedicated to helping people improve their English and avoid mistakes that could affect their jobs, examinations and professional reputation.
