FG suspends accreditation of certificates from Benin, Togo after undercover journalist bags degree in six weeks

The Federal Ministry of Education has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation.

The suspension which is effective from 2nd January 2024 is in connection with a recent investigation tagged, “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme”.

The ministry said the investigation would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

A statement signed by Mrs. Augustina Obilor-Duru, For Director Press and Public Relations, reads, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to the commendable work of investigative journalism that led to the publication by the Daily Nigerian Newspaper dated 30th December 2023 titled ‘UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme.’ This was also carried in various social media.”

undercover reporter who bagged degree in six weeks and participated in NYSC

She said the report gave credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deployed nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they were not qualified.

The ministry, however, called on the public to support its efforts, show understanding and provide useful information that would assist the committee in finding lasting solutions in order to prevent further occurrence.

The statement said the ministry had also commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.

“The issue of degree mills institutions, i.e institutions that exist on paper or operate in clandestine manner outside the control of regulators is a global problem that all countries grapple with. FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets,” the statement reads.

She noted that warnings had been issued by the ministry and the National University Commission (NUC) against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators.

She added that the ministry would continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.

“The ministry had always adopted the global standard for evaluation and accreditation of certificates of all forms which relies on receipt of the list of accredited courses and schools in all countries of the World,” she said.

The ministry also assured Nigerians that it was already putting in place mechanisms to sanitise the education sector, including dissuading the quest for degree certificates (locally or from foreign countries) through a re-invigorated focus on inclusivity: reliance on all skill sets as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.