Nigeria suspends accreditation of Benin, Togo Republic degree certificates amidst allegations of fraudulent practices
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken decisive action by suspending the accreditation of degree certificates obtained from universities in Benin Republic and Togo.
This move comes in response to a disturbing report revealing how a journalist managed to acquire a degree from a Benin Republic university in a startlingly short period of less than two months.
Augustina Obilor-Duru, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, expressed deep concern in a statement issued today – Tuesday January 2, 2024.
She emphasised that the report strengthened suspicions that some Nigerians were resorting to illicit means to obtain degrees, subsequently seeking employment opportunities for which they lack qualification.
“The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts,” Obilor-Duru stated. “With effect from January 2, 2024, the ministry is suspending the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics.
“This suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relevant education ministries in both countries, the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),” the ministry said.
The ministry has also urged Nigerians to cooperate by providing information that could assist the committee in its investigation, aiming to formulate lasting solutions to prevent such incidents in the future.
Highlighting the ongoing challenges it faced, the ministry underscored its continuous efforts to combat illegal institutions both within and outside the country.
The ministry said it has previously issued warnings, including those from the National Universities Commission (NUC), against engaging with such institutions.
According to the FME, reports have also been submitted to security agencies to take decisive actions against those involved in fraudulent practices.
“The ministry will persist in reviewing its strategies to plug any loopholes, fortify processes, and procedures, and deal decisively with any officials found to be complicit in such activities,” the statement concluded.
This suspension, according to the FME, serves as a bold step towards ensuring the integrity of the education system in Nigeria and protecting the interests of qualified graduates.
