The administration of President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong warning against individuals possessing fraudulent academic certificates, labelling them as a direct threat to Nigeria. Education Minister Tahir Mamman, speaking during an interview with Channels TV on Sunday, highlighted the increasing concern of fake credentials from certain African countries, describing those responsible as “thieves” endangering the nation’s future.
Mr. Mamman emphasized the unfair competition created by counterfeit certificate holders, stating that Nigerians with genuine qualifications are forced to compete in the job market with individuals who may not have even left the country.
“These people are thieves and pose a danger to our country,” Mr. Mamman stated. “They flaunt qualifications for which they lack the requisite knowledge. Some are employed in critical sectors like the civil service or healthcare. Imagine the consequences when someone with no proper education is in a position to make life-and-death decisions in hospitals. The result could be fatal.”
The minister further explained the government’s firm stance on dismissing both public and private employees who had obtained their positions using counterfeit certificates from countries such as the Benin Republic, Togo, and others in Africa.
“Even in the countries where these certificates are issued, they are not recognized as legitimate degrees. So why should we recognize them here in Nigeria?” Mr. Mamman asked.
He condemned the practice of obtaining degrees through racketeering, where individuals pay agents to handle documentation and procure certificates, often with exaggerated grades. He described these forgers as “thieves” undermining the hard work of legitimate graduates.
This crackdown on fraudulent certificates follows an investigation by Daily Nigerian, revealing how Nigerians acquire fake degrees from universities in the Benin Republic. The government’s actions come amidst ongoing debates surrounding the legitimacy of President Tinubu’s Chicago State University credentials. Despite the Supreme Court ruling in his favor, controversy continues to swirl around the issue.
