In a swift response to the shocking revelation, the Federal Government has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates obtained from Benin and Togo. This suspension is aimed at curbing the fraudulent acquisition of these certificates by individuals seeking to deceive educational institutions and secure employment.
The decision came after the Daily Nigerian Newspaper exposed how its undercover reporter effortlessly obtained a degree from a university in Cotonou within a mere six weeks. To make matters worse, the reporter then successfully enrolled in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, despite already graduating from a Nigerian university and completing the mandatory NYSC programme.
This alarming case has raised serious concerns about the integrity of educational qualifications issued by institutions in Benin and Togo. The Federal Government recognizes the importance of maintaining high educational standards and ensuring that qualifications are earned legitimately. Therefore, the suspension of the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from these countries will remain in effect indefinitely until further notice.
The government has promised to thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action against any individuals found guilty of fraudulently obtaining degree certificates and participating in the NYSC scheme under false pretenses. This crackdown aims to restore trust and confidence in the Nigerian educational system, as well as protect employers from unknowingly hiring individuals with fake qualifications.
While this suspension may cause inconvenience for students intending to pursue further studies or seek employment using degrees obtained from Benin and Togo, the government believes it is a necessary step to preserve the reputation and credibility of the country’s educational sector. The Federal Ministry of Education has advised individuals in possession of such degree certificates to seek alternative avenues for evaluation and accreditation until further guidelines are provided.
It is worth noting that this suspension does not affect individuals who genuinely earned their degrees from accredited institutions in Benin and Togo. The government’s focus is solely on tackling the issue of fraudulent certificate acquisition. Once the investigation is concluded, appropriate measures will be put in place to ensure the recognition of legitimate degrees from these countries.
The Federal Government’s swift action in response to this exposé demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the educational system. It sends a strong message that fraudulent practices will not be tolerated and that measures will be implemented to protect the interests of genuine students and employers.
