Nigeria’s government suspendse valuation, accreditation of degree certificates from Benin, Togo

The Federal Government has halted the evaluation and accreditation of degree diplomas from Benin and Togo Republic.

Mrs Augustina Obilor-Duru, Assistant Director, Press, Ministry of Education, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja.
This suspension was the outcome of an investigation by a journalist, which resulted in a publication in the Daily Nigerian Newspaper on December 30.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Umar Audu, a reporter with the publication, conducted an investigation headlined “UNDERCOVER: How reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in six weeks, participated in NYSC scheme.”
Obilor-Duru, on the other hand, stated that the suspension was pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the two countries.

She stated that the probe would include the education ministries of both countries, as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSSS) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
She urged the people to help by demonstrating understanding and offering important information that would aid in the discovery of long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies.
“This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians use nefarious means and unethical methods to obtain a degree in order to obtain graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.”
“The ministry has also begun internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff, for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.”

“The issue of degree mills institutions, i.e. institutions that exist on paper or operate clandestinely outside the control of regulators, is a global problem that all countries face.”

“The ministry has been dealing with the problem, including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronise such outlets,” she said.

She further stated that the ministry and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have issued warnings against such schools on a regular basis, and that in some cases, reports were made to security services in order to crack down on the violators.
“The ministry will continue to review its strategy in order to close any gaps in processes and procedures and deal decisively with any shady officials.”
“The Ministry has always adopted the global standard for evaluating and accrediting certificates of all types, which is based on receiving a list of accredited courses and schools from all countries around the world.”
“The ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians and the general public that it is already putting in place mechanisms to sanitise the education sector.”
“This includes discouraging the pursuit of degree certificates (either locally or from other countries) through a re-energized focus on inclusivity and reliance on all skill sets as directed by President Bola Tinubu,” she stated.

She also stated that the ministry was dedicated to working with stakeholders, especially civil society organisations, to continuously improve the Nigerian education system.