The Federal Government has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, January 2, by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, comes in response to an investigative report by Daily Nigerian Newspaper titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks.”
Expressing deep concern over Nigerians resorting to dubious means to obtain degrees, the government revealed that the suspension will remain in effect pending a comprehensive investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) from both Nigeria and the concerned countries.
The government called on Nigerians to cooperate with the committee and provide vital information to address the issue of individuals obtaining substandard degrees from foreign universities. The statement emphasized the global challenge of degree mills, institutions that exist either on paper or operate clandestinely, preying on unsuspecting individuals.
Highlighting the commitment to upholding global standards for evaluating and accrediting certificates, the Ministry assured the public of implementing measures to cleanse the education sector. These efforts include discouraging the pursuit of both local and foreign degree certificates, focusing on inclusivity, and relying on diverse skill sets, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
The Federal Ministry of Education expressed dedication to collaborating with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to continually improve the Nigerian education system. The public is urged to understand and be patient as the Ministry works to address these pressing issues.
