The Nigerian government has announced suspension of the accreditation and evaluation of university degrees obtained from the republics of Benin and Togo.
This move followed a report by the Daily Nigerian online newspaper which showed how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic within two months.
Announcing the suspension in a press release on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, Ms. Augustina Obilor-Duru, said: “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.
“The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and, with effect from 2nd January, 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for education in the two countries, as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSSS) and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”
She said the ministry is also calling on Nigerians to assist in providing information to help the committee as it seeks lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences.
“FME 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,” she added.
“Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and, in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators.
“The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”
