Examination boards in Kenya and Uganda have publicly called on Nigeria to verify the academic credentials of Nigerian candidates seeking admission to their higher institutions. This development, confirmed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Tuesday, was detailed in a document prepared for the 2024 policy meeting, as reported by Punch.
The request from these East African nations comes on the heels of Nigeria’s recent decision to halt the verification of degrees obtained from Uganda, Kenya, Benin Republic, and other countries. This move was driven by escalating concerns over the proliferation of bogus degrees, which has increasingly plagued Nigeria’s education sector and cast doubt on the validity of qualifications presented by students.
In its statement, JAMB made it clear that it will not alter any student’s records, underscoring its dedication to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The board emphasized that it is committed to protecting the country’s academic institutions from dishonor, ensuring that only genuine credentials are recognized.
Furthermore, JAMB revealed that examination boards in both Kenya and Uganda have formally reached out to Nigeria to validate the academic records of Nigerians applying to their universities. “The Ugandan and Kenyan examination boards are now writing to JAMB to authenticate the records provided by candidates for admission. JAMB would not fabricate records,” the board stated.
This development highlights the growing international scrutiny of academic credentials from Nigeria, a country that has long been a regional leader in higher education. The demand for verification by Kenya and Uganda signals a shift in trust and could have broader implications for Nigerian students seeking to study abroad.
As the integrity of academic qualifications becomes a global concern, this situation calls for Nigeria to intensify its efforts to root out fraudulent practices within its education system.