The Federal Ministry of Education has, through a statement released on Tuesday, announced the suspension of the accreditation of degree certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo. The decision comes in the wake of concerns that some Nigerians are acquiring degrees through illegitimate means to gain employment opportunities for which they are not qualified.
The suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of an investigation, which will involve the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria, as well as the concerned authorities in Benin Republic and Togo. The Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps will also be part of the investigative process.
The Ministry expressed its disapproval of such fraudulent acts and called on the general public to support its efforts and provide useful information that will assist in finding lasting solutions to prevent further occurrences. The Ministry is also initiating internal administrative processes to determine the culpability of its staff, and applicable Public Service Rules will be applied accordingly.
The issue of degree mills, which are institutions that exist on paper or operate clandestinely outside regulatory control, is a global problem. The Ministry has been contending with this issue, issuing periodic warnings against patronizing such institutions. The statement emphasizes the Ministry’s commitment to reviewing its strategy to address these challenges and deal decisively with any officials involved in connivance.
In the past, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had indicated its intention to prosecute Nigerian graduates with fake credentials, especially those obtained from West African countries. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the purchase of fake degrees from degree mills both within and outside Nigeria, prompting measures to clamp down on such practices.