FG Upholds Decision to Void 22,700 Fake Degrees from Togo, Benin Republic

In a firm stance against academic fraud, the Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its decision to invalidate over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from what it described as “fake” universities in neighbouring Togo and Benin Republic.

Education Minister Tahir Mamman, speaking while featuring on a Sunday Politics segment on Channels Television, monitored by Maga Icon Magazine, emphasised that Nigerians who earned degrees from these “illegal” institutions are tarnishing the country’s reputation.

He argued that the government’s action to nullify these certificates is justified, especially since authorities in the two Francophone West African nations have also classified the concerned institutions as fraudulent.

“The measure to invalidate these degrees is not harsh,” Mamman stated. “These institutions are not recognised even in their own countries, and we cannot allow Nigerians to continue parading certificates from such places.”

This move follows a series of revelations about the prevalence of degree certificate racketeering in the region.

Last year, an undercover journalist exposed how he managed to obtain a degree from a university in Benin Republic in less than two months, which he then used to enroll in Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The expose prompted the Federal Government to suspend the accreditation of certificates from Togo and Benin Republic and initiate a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

In a press conference on Friday, marking his one year in office, Minister Mamman disclosed that more than 22,700 Nigerians were found to have obtained fake degree certificates from the two countries. The findings were part of a report submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by a committee tasked with investigating degree certificate racketeering by both foreign and local universities.

During his appearance on Sunday, Mamman clarified that the Federal Government officially recognises only three institutions in Togo and five in Benin Republic, labeling all others as illegal.

He added that many Nigerians holding these dubious certificates never even traveled abroad, but instead acquired them through corrupt dealings involving government officials both at home and abroad.

“These fake universities prey on the gullibility of Nigerians, who seek easy and quick academic qualifications,” the minister said.

Mamman also revealed that the offices of the Head of Civil Service and the Secretary of the Government of the Federation have been instructed to identify and remove any government employees holding such invalid certificates.

He called on the private sector to take similar action, ensuring that no one with a fake degree is employed in Nigeria.