The Federal Government has officially declared the suspension of the evaluation and accreditation process for degree certificates obtained from universities in Benin Republic and Togo.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, January 2, was conveyed through a statement signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
This decision was prompted by an investigative report published last week by the Daily Nigerian Newspaper titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks.” The federal government expressed concern over the revelation that some Nigerians are resorting to unscrupulous means and unethical methods to obtain degrees, aiming to secure job opportunities for which they are not qualified.
The suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria, as well as collaborative efforts with the concerned authorities in Benin Republic and Togo.
The investigation will also involve the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).
During this period of suspension, the government intends to thoroughly scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of degrees from institutions in Benin Republic and Togo.
This measure reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of educational qualifications and ensuring that individuals rightfully qualify for the job opportunities they pursue.
The collaborative efforts between the Nigerian government and its counterparts in Benin Republic and Togo, alongside key security and youth service agencies, are aimed at addressing the issue and implementing appropriate measures to prevent the abuse of educational processes.
