The evaluation and validation of degree credentials from Togo and the neighbouring Benin Republic has been suspended, according to a statement released by the Federal government.
The ban came after an online newspaper’s investigative article exposed a Cotonou-based University that had given an undercover Journalist a degree within six weeks.
“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 government said in a statement signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations on Tuesday.
The Department of State Security Services (DSS), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria, and the two nations, as well as the government, said that the suspension would stay in effect until the investigation’s findings were known.
As a result, the Ministry issued a request to the public asking for help, understanding, and information that will help the Committee come up with long-term fixes to stop similar incidents from happening again.
The Federal Ministry of Education has been made aware of the excellent investigative journalism that resulted in the Daily Nigerian Newspaper’s publication titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme” on December 30, 2023.
“This analysis confirms fears that some Nigerians use dishonest means and unethical techniques to obtain a degree to obtain graduate employment chances for which they are ineligible.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries in charge of education in the two countries, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) are all parties to an investigation that would take place until the conclusion of which the Federal Ministry of Education vehemently denounces such acts and suspends evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics with effect from January 2, 2024“.
The Ministry further stated that internal administrative procedures have been started to ascertain whether or not her employees are at fault, and that relevant Public Service Rules will be followed.
All nations struggle with the problem of degree mills, which are organizations that just exist on paper or run covertly without being subject to regulatory oversight.
“FME has been dealing with the issue of illicit establishments that are either domestically or abroad and prey on gullible, innocent Nigerians as well as some desperate Nigerians who purposefully visit such establishments.” The Ministry and NUC have warned against using these kinds of institutions regularly, and in certain cases, they have even reported cases to security agencies so that they may take action against the offenders.
The statement further stated, “The Ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”
Source: Allschoolabs, Nairaland
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