On Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Education, representing the Federal Government, declared the suspension of the accreditation of degree certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo. The announcement, conveyed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, cited concerns about Nigerians using illicit methods to obtain degrees, aiming to secure job opportunities for which they are unqualified.
This decision came in response to an investigative report by the Daily Nigerian Newspaper titled “How Daily Nigerian reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks.” The government expressed its displeasure and stated that the suspension would remain in effect pending the results of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria, as well as the respective ministries and security agencies of Benin and Togo, along with the Department of State Security Services and the National Youth Service Corps.
The official statement emphasized the Federal Ministry of Education’s condemnation of such actions and the suspension of the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics starting from January 2, 2024. The ministry urged the public to support its efforts, provide relevant information, and demonstrate understanding to aid the investigative committee. Internal administrative processes have also begun to determine the involvement of ministry staff, with applicable Public Service Rules to be applied as necessary.
The statement acknowledged the global issue of degree mills—fraudulent institutions operating outside regulatory control—and highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat such problems. It reiterated warnings against illegal institutions, both domestic and abroad, preying on unsuspecting Nigerians. The ministry pledged to continue reviewing its strategies to address loopholes, processes, and procedures and to take decisive action against any complicit officials.
