The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has said, it would suspend the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics as from 2nd January 2024.
Mrs. Augustina Obilor-Duru of the Ministry announced the development in a statement issued on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
According to the statement, the Ministry’s attention was 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”.
It said the report lent 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.
It added that, “the Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that 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)”.
The Ministry, therefore, called on the General Public to support its efforts, show understanding, and provide useful information that will assist the Committee in finding lasting solutions in order to prevent further occurrence.
In addition, it disclosed that it had also commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.
On other measures taken by the ministry, the statement said:
“The issue of degree mills institutions, i.e. institutions that exist on paper or operate in a 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.
“Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will 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.
“The Ministry wishes to assure Nigerians and the general public that, it is 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 Tinubu.
“The Federal Ministry of Education is committed to collaborating with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to consistently enhance the Nigerian education system and we value the public’s understanding and patience as we strive to address these issues”.
