The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the suspension of the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the neighbouring countries of Benin Republic and Togo. This decision comes in the wake of an investigative report by an online newspaper revealing a Cotonou-based university that issued a degree certificate to an undercover journalist within six weeks.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government expressed concern about Nigerians resorting to nefarious means and unconscionable methods to obtain degrees, often with the aim of securing graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified. The suspension is set to remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria, as well as the two countries in question, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).
The government urged the general public to support its efforts, show understanding, and provide useful information to assist the committee in finding lasting solutions to prevent further occurrences. The statement emphasized the global challenge of degree mills, institutions that exist on paper or operate clandestinely outside the control of regulators, and assured ongoing efforts to address the issue.
The Ministry has also initiated internal administrative processes to determine the culpability of its staff, with applicable Public Service Rules to be applied as necessary. The government remains committed to addressing the problem of illegal institutions and individuals preying on unsuspecting Nigerians, both within the country and abroad. Periodic warnings have been issued by the Ministry and the National Universities Commission (NUC) against patronizing such institutions, and efforts will continue to be made to strengthen measures against degree mills and unscrupulous practices in the education sector.