Fake Degrees: FG Suspends Accreditation Of Degree Certificates From Benin, Togo
The Federal Government has taken a drastic measure to curb the menace of fake degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics, following an exposé by an online newspaper.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday, the government has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the two neighbouring countries, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation.
The statement, signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, said the decision was informed by the shocking revelation by the Daily Nigerian Newspaper, which published a report on 30th December 2023, titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme.”
The report detailed how the reporter enrolled in a Cotonou-based University, paid a sum of N150,000 and obtained a degree certificate in Mass Communication within six weeks, without attending any classes or writing any exams. The reporter also managed to register and participate in the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) scheme with the fake certificate.
The Ministry expressed its dismay over the report, saying it confirmed the suspicions that some Nigerians resort to dubious and unethical means to acquire degrees for the sole purpose of securing graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.
The Ministry said it has set up a committee to investigate the matter, in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria and the two countries, as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the NYSC.
The Ministry also said it has commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of its staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.
The Ministry appealed to the general public to support its efforts, show understanding and provide useful information that will assist the Committee in finding lasting solutions in order to prevent further occurrence.
The statement also noted that the issue of degree mills institutions, i.e institutions that exist on paper or operate in clandestine manner outside the control of regulators, is a global problem that all countries grapple with.
The Ministry said it has been contending with the problem, including illegal institutions located abroad or at home, preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets. Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and the National Universities Commission (NUC) against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators.
The Ministry said it will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any degree certificate they intend to obtain from any foreign institution, especially from the West African sub-region, and to report any suspicious or fraudulent activities to the relevant authorities.
