In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from neighboring Benin Republic and Togo. This decision comes in response to a recent investigative report by an online newspaper that exposed a Cotonou-based university issuing a degree certificate to an undercover journalist within a mere six weeks.
The announcement, made through a statement on Tuesday by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, expressed the government’s concern over the use of dubious means by some Nigerians to obtain degrees, ultimately aiming to secure job opportunities for which they lack qualification.
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The suspension is set to remain in effect pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria, along with the counterparts in Benin and Togo. The Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are also part of the investigative process.
The statement from the Ministry urged the public to support their efforts, show understanding, and provide any useful information that could assist in finding lasting solutions to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“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,” the statement reads.
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The Ministry also disclosed that internal administrative processes have been initiated to determine the culpability of its staff, applying applicable Public Service Rules as necessary.
The issue of degree mills, institutions that exist on paper or operate clandestinely outside regulatory control, is a global concern faced by many countries. The Federal Ministry of Education emphasized that it has been actively addressing the problem, periodically issuing warnings against the patronage of such institutions and reporting cases to security agencies.
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“The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials,” the statement added.
This decisive action by the Nigerian government reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the educational system and ensuring that degrees obtained are legitimate and deserving. The outcome of the investigation will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and safeguards against fraudulent practices in education.
Source: Leadership.ng
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