The federal government has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Togo and the Republic of Benin.
This decision comes in the wake of a recent investigation titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme.”
In a recent revelation, Daily Nigerian Newspaper, on December 30, 2023, exposed details of their undercover reporter obtaining a Cotonou University degree in a mere six weeks and subsequently enrolling in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
It is noteworthy that the said reporter had previously graduated from a Nigerian university and fulfilled the mandatory NYSC requirements.
Reacting to the development in a statement, the federal Ministry of education suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from both Benin and Togo indefinitely.
A statement signed by Mrs Augustina Obilor-Duru, director of press and public relations, read in part, “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’.
“This was also carried in various social media.
“This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.
“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 wish to call 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.
“The Ministry has also commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.”
Source: X | vanguardngrnews
