The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that only eight universities in Togo and Benin Republic have been accredited to award degrees to Nigerian students.
This was revealed by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
Mamman highlighted a major concern regarding the proliferation of fake degrees obtained by Nigerians from unaccredited institutions in these neighboring countries.
He disclosed that over 22,500 Nigerians have obtained such fake degrees, and the government plans to cancel these certificates.
This decision follows an investigation report presented to the Federal Executive Council, which uncovered widespread degree certificate racketeering by foreign and local universities.
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The minister mentioned that a Nigerian journalist had recently conducted an undercover investigation, acquiring a degree from a university in Benin Republic within two months and subsequently using it to gain deployment for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
This revelation further underscored the need for stricter oversight and validation of foreign degrees.
During the program, Mamman listed the universities recognized by the Nigerian government to offer degree programs for Nigerians:
Approved Universities in Togo:
- Université de Lomé
- Université de Kara
- Catholic University of West Africa
Approved Universities in Benin Republic:
- Université d’Abomey-Calavi
- Université de Parakou
- Université Nationale des Sciences, Technologis Ingenierie et Mathematiques
- Université Nationale d’Agriculture
- Université Africaine de Développement Coopératif
The minister emphasized that there would be no reversal on the decision to invalidate the approximately 22,700 fake certificates obtained from unapproved institutions.
He stated that the use of such fake degrees tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation and noted that many individuals obtained these degrees through racketeering without ever leaving the country.
Mamman also urged the federal government, particularly through the offices of the Head of Civil Service and the Secretary of the Federation, to identify and take action against those in government employment who possess these fraudulent certificates.
He encouraged the private sector to adopt similar measures to maintain the integrity of their workforce.
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