The Federal Government announced yesterday the suspension of the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Togo and the Republic of Benin. This action was taken following a media report that exposed fraudulent practices in the acquisition of degree certificates by individuals seeking degrees through illegitimate means.
The report, published by the Daily Nigerian Newspaper on December 30th, 2023, revealed how an undercover reporter, who had already graduated from a Nigerian university and completed the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, obtained a degree from a university in Cotonou within just six weeks and subsequently participated in the NYSC scheme.
In response to this revelation, the Federal Ministry of Education has indefinitely suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from both Benin and Togo. This suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, the ministries responsible for education in the two countries, as well as the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Mrs. Augustina Obilor-Duru, from the ministry’s Directorate of Press and Public Relations, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of fraudulent degrees. She urged the public to support the ministry’s efforts and provide any useful information that could assist in the investigation.
The ministry also stated that it would conduct internal administrative processes to determine the involvement of its staff in the matter, applying applicable Public Service Rules as necessary.
The statement highlighted the global issue of degree mills and illegal institutions that operate outside regulatory control, preying on unsuspecting individuals. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sanitizing the education sector and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance the Nigerian education system.
Source: Vanguard News