FG Suspends Accreditation Of Degree Certificates From Benin, Togo Republics
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria says it 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 (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).
The suspension followed the publication by Daily Nigerian Newspaper on 30th December, 2023 titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks,” which showcased how some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get degrees from the two countries with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified
The Federal Ministry of Education, announced the suspension which takes effect from today, 2nd January 2024, and called on the members of the public to support its efforts, show understanding and provide useful information that will assist the Committee in finding lasting solutions to prevent future occurrence.
A statement signed by Mrs. Augustina Obilor-Duru, for the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, noted the Ministry has also commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.
According to the statement, the problem of degree mills institutions, that is institutions that exist on paper or operate in clandestine manner outside the control of regulators is a global problem that all countries grapple with and the ministry 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 noted that warnings have been issued periodically by the Ministry and NUC against resorting to such institutions and in some instances, reports had been made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators.
The statement reiterated the resolve of the ministry to continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials affirming that the Ministry has always adopted global standards for evaluation and accreditation of certificates of all forms which relies on receipt of the list of accredited courses and schools in all countries of the world.
It assured Nigerians and the public that the ministry is already putting in place mechanisms to sanitise the education sector, including dissuading the quest for degree certificates (locally or from foreign countries) through a re-invigorated focus on inclusivity: reliance on all skill sets as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
The statement pledged the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to consistently enhance the Nigerian education system as it values the public’s understanding and patience as it strives to address such issues.
