The Nigerian government has dismissed civil servants holding degrees from unaccredited private institutions in Benin and Togo, awarded from 2017 to date. This follows investigations revealing rampant degree fraud resulting in significant implications for over 22,500 Nigerians. The administration is determined to maintain academic integrity and uphold the nation’s reputation.
The Nigerian government has dismissed civil servants possessing degrees from private academic institutions in Benin Republic and Togo that were awarded from 2017 onward. This development was confirmed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a press briefing on Wednesday.
In August, the government had made it clear that only eight educational institutions in Togo and Benin Republic are recognized for granting degrees to Nigerian students. This decision followed an investigation revealing that a journalist from the Daily Nigerian obtained a degree from a Beninese university in a mere two months, which he subsequently utilized to enroll in the National Youth Service Corps.
In response to these findings, both the authorities in Benin Republic and Togo have prohibited the accreditation and assessment of tertiary degrees. Additionally, the Federal Government established an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee focused on combating certificate fraud related to degree mills.
Former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, reported that over 22,500 Nigerians had acquired fraudulent degrees from institutions in Benin and Togo, with the implication that such certifications would be annulled. He underscored the Nigerian government’s resolve not to reconsider the invalidation of credentials conferred by these questionable universities.
Mamman pointed out that those holding fraudulent degrees had damaged Nigeria’s image, reiterating, “Most of those parading the fake certificates didn’t even leave the shores of Nigeria but got their certificates through racketeering in collaboration with government officials at home and abroad.”
He also indicated that the Nigerian government, in conjunction with other bodies, would pursue those in public service with such forged certificates, urging the private sector to follow this lead. While the exact number of affected civil servants is unknown, it has been confirmed that a directive was issued to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to terminate the employment of individuals with the disputed degrees.
A source familiar with the matter reported that officials within these departments acted upon recommendations from the inter-ministerial committee, specifically targeting employees who obtained degrees from those institutions since 2017. Some agencies, including the National Youth Service Corps, have commenced implementation of the directive, with their Director of Information, Caroline Embu, confirming that five staff members were dismissed as a result.
The Nigerian government’s crackdown on fraudulent degrees from Togo and Benin reflects a commitment to upholding academic integrity. Following extensive investigations that exposed the ease of obtaining these degrees, the administration has taken decisive action to dismiss public servants with such credentials. As the government continues to invalidate these degrees, it reinforces the importance of reliable academic qualifications in safeguarding the nation’s reputation.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
