Fg Suspends Accreditation Of Benin And Togo Degree Certificates

The Federal Government has taken decisive action by suspending the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from both Benin Republic and Togo in response to alarming reports of fraudulent acquisition of degrees from universities in Benin Republic.

The move comes in the wake of revelations that individuals obtained degrees within an astonishingly short period, raising concerns about the legitimacy of academic qualifications and the potential misuse of such credentials.

Augustina Obilor-Duru, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, expressed deep concern about the findings, stating, "This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree with the end objective of securing graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified."

Effective from January 2, 2024, the Federal Ministry of Education has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics. An investigation is set to be launched, involving collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the educational ministries of the respective countries, the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

The Ministry urges Nigerians to assist in providing information to aid the committee in seeking lasting solutions to prevent such incidents in the future. The statement also highlighted the Ministry's ongoing efforts to address challenges related to illegal institutions, both abroad and within Nigeria, targeting unsuspecting citizens.

"The FME 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," the statement added.

The Ministry remains committed to reviewing its strategy to identify and rectify any loopholes, processes, and procedures, and pledges to deal decisively with any officials found to be complicit in such fraudulent activities.