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FG Suspends Accreditation of Degree Certificates from Benin, Togo Varsities

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Joel Ajayi

The Federal government has announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the neighboring Benin Republic and Togo.

In a statement signed on Tuesday, January 2, by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, the federal government lamented 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 statement noted that the suspension followed an investigative report by an online newspaper, which unraveled a Cotonou-based University, which issued a degree certificate to an undercover Journalist within six weeks.

The government said the suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria and the two countries as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

The statement reads in parts; “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 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 also said it has commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.

“The issue of degree mills institutions, i.e institutions that exist on paper or operate in 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 statement added.

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Education

Capacity Students Hostel: 98.2b initiative is to Revolutionize Educational Infrastructure- FG

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Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has announced the ground-breaking ceremony for the building of a 1,600-capacity student hostel in Akwa Ibom State.


This project is part of a N98.2 billion nationwide initiative to enhance educational infrastructure.


The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, OFR, stated that; “the Federal Government, in partnership with states and the private sector, will construct 24 housing facilities across 24 institutions, each with 1,600 bed spaces.


“This addresses a significant student accommodation deficit, enhancing student performance and well-being. It is also a testament to the sophistication and depth of our local capital markets.


Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Special Duties Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo, the Minister added that “this initiative invests in our youth and educational infrastructure, ensuring that tomorrow’s leaders have the resources and environment they need to thrive. 


“It also demonstrates the private sector’s willingness and capacity to partner with government to deliver critical infrastructure projects across all geopolitical zones, to reduce the housing deficit”, Wale Edun said.

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