Accreditation of Benin Republic, Togo Degrees Suspended by Federal Government

The Federal Ministry of Education declared a halt on accrediting degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo. This decision, disclosed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations, stemmed from concerns over Nigerians obtaining degrees through fraudulent means to secure job opportunities they’re unqualified for. This action came following an investigative report by the Daily Nigerian Newspaper titled “How Daily Nigerian reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks.”

The suspension of certificate evaluation and accreditation will continue pending the outcome of an investigation involving Nigeria’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education, alongside the respective departments in Benin and Togo, as well as the Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps. The Ministry urged public support, seeking information to aid in finding solutions to prevent such incidents.

Additionally, the Ministry initiated internal administrative procedures to determine staff culpability, applying relevant Public Service Rules. It highlighted the global issue of diploma mills and illegal institutions, stressing its ongoing efforts to address these problems, issuing warnings against such practices, and pledging continued vigilance and decisive action against those involved.