Federal Government Suspends Accreditation of Benin and Togo University Degrees Amidst Diploma Mill Scandal

In a significant move, the Federal Government has announced the suspension of the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from universities in neighbouring Benin Republic and Togo. The decision comes in the wake of concerns over the use of dubious means by some Nigerians to obtain degrees, ultimately aiming to secure job opportunities for which they lack qualification.

The decision, effective from January 2, 2024, follows an exposé by an online newspaper that uncovered a Cotonou-based university issuing a degree certificate to an undercover journalist within a remarkably short period of six weeks. The Federal Ministry of Education expressed deep concern over such practices and emphasized the need to address the issue promptly.

The government’s suspension will persist until the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation, involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education in Nigeria, as well as the counterparts in Benin and Togo. Additionally, the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) will play crucial roles in the investigation.

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The official statement from the Ministry of Education highlighted the ministry’s commitment to combating the global challenge of degree mills, institutions that often operate outside regulatory control, preying on unsuspecting individuals. The government has issued periodic warnings against engaging with such institutions, and efforts have been made to collaborate with security agencies to curb their activities.

Internally, the Ministry is initiating administrative processes to determine the involvement of its staff in the accreditation process. Applicable Public Service Rules will be applied to those found culpable. The statement also affirmed the government’s commitment to reviewing and strengthening its strategies to prevent the operation of illegal institutions and to take decisive action against any complicit officials.

This suspension not only underscores the gravity of the diploma mill issue but also emphasizes the government’s determination to safeguard the integrity of the accreditation process and protect job opportunities for genuinely qualified individuals.

Source: The Nation Online