FG Suspends Evaluation, Accreditation Of Degree Certificates From Benin, Togo

The Federal Government on Tuesday, announced suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Togo and the Republic of Benin.

The action followed a media report that exposed the fraudulent acquisition of degree certificates by some desperate degree-seeking individuals.

Recall that the Daily Nigerian Newspaper, in its publication dated December 30, 2023, exposed how its undercover reporter, who had already graduated from a Nigerian university and served the nation’s one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), bagged a Cotonou varsity degree in just six weeks and participated in the NYSC scheme.

Reacting to the development in a statement, the Federal Ministry of Education suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from both Benin and Togo indefinitely.

The government explained that the suspension would be in effect 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 (DSS) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The statement, which was released through Mrs. Augustina Obilor-Duru, of the ministry’s Directorate of Press and Public Relations, read: “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to the commendable work of investigative journalism that led to the publication by the Daily Nigerian Newspaper dated 30th December 2023 titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme.” This was also carried in various social media.

“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 the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

“The Ministry therefore wish to call on 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.”