FG defends invalidation of 22,700 foreign certificates, says no going back on decision 

The federal government has reiterated that the de-recognition of approximately 22,700 certificates awarded to Nigerians by some “fake” universities in Togo and the Republic of Benin was final.

 

The federal government also stated that only eight universities are accredited to grant degrees to Nigerians in Togo and the Republic of Benin.

 

Featuring on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Minister of Education Tahir Mamman stated that the federal government officially recognizes three institutions in Togo and five in Benin Republic while categorizing others as illegal.

 

Mamman asserted that invalidating these certificates was not a harsh measure, as degrees from such illegal institutions tarnish Nigeria’s reputation.

 

He explained, “Many individuals flaunting these fake certificates never even left Nigeria; they obtained their credentials through racketeering in collusion with government officials both at home and abroad.”

 

He added that the “fake universities” exploited the naivety of Nigerians who enrolled in these fraudulent institutions.

 

The federal government, through the offices of the Head of Civil Service and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), plans to identify those in government employment with these fake certificates. He also urged the private sector to do the same.

 

Mamman listed the following three accredited public universities in Togo that are approved to offer degree programs to Nigerian students:

 

Université de Lomé

Université de Kara

Catholic University of West Africa

Additionally, he identified five accredited universities in the Republic of Benin authorized to provide degree programs to Nigerian students:

 

Université d’Abomey-Calavi

Université de Parakou

Université Nationale des Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques

Université Nationale d’Agriculture

Université Africaine de Développement Coopératif.