By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The Federal Government yesterday uncovered fake university syndicates operating in Nigeria.
It also blacklisted 18 foreign degree and certificate-awarding universities in Nigeria.
This follows the ban on the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo after a report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic in under two months.
A statement yesterday by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Augustina Obilor-Duru, revealed that the government expressed concern over Nigerians resorting to ‘unethical tactics’ to obtain degrees to secure job opportunities they weren’t qualified for.
The ministry also announced that it would continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving partners or organisations.
The suspension, it was further stated, followed a report by an online newspaper that exposed how a Cotonou-based university issued the alleged fake degree certificate to an undercover journalist ‘within six weeks’.
The online newspaper, Daily Nigerian, also revealed how the beneficiaries of these substandard certificates ‘compete for jobs’ and other opportunities with ‘hard-working graduates’ who undergo academic rigours for at least four years to obtain their degrees.
It was unearthed that the requirements for the doctored degree are O-level certificates – fake or genuine – and money, which vary depending on the course, urgency, and class of degree.
During the investigation, and having met with an agent, the undercover reporter was said to have obtained the certificate and transcript of Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT), Cotonou, the commercial capital of Benin Republic, on February 17, 2023.
This was after the reporter had reportedly paid the required amount, including tuition fees for the duration.
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*Education ministry uncovers nefarious cabals
Reacting to the report, the education ministry stated that the “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.”
It added, “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 (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”
The ministry also called on Nigerians to assist in providing information to help the committee as it seeks lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences.
It stressed, “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 patronise such outlets.”
The statement added, “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.
*18 blacklisted foreign institutions operating in Nigeria
Meanwhile, the National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier announced the ban on some foreign institutions, warning Nigerians to avoid enrolling in such institutions.
These, according to an online report, include the University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin;
Volta University College, Ho, in the Volta Region, Ghana; The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of their campuses in Nigeria); Columbus University, UK; Tiu International University, UK; and Pebbles University, UK (or any of them operating anywhere in Nigeria).
Others include the London External Studies; Pilgrims University; and West African Christian University (or any of them operating anywhere in Nigeria).
The ban list also includes EC-Council University, USA (Ikeja Lagos Study Centre); Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin (or any of its campuses in Nigeria); Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria; Irish University Business School London (operating anywhere in Nigeria); and the University of Education, Winneba Ghana (operating anywhere in Nigeria).
The rest are the Cape Coast University, Ghana; African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic (both operating anywhere in Nigeria; as well as the Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado (Owerri Study Centre); Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
*Reconsider decision, NANS pleads
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has asked the Federal Government to reassess the suspension placed on the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from neighbouring Benin Republic and Togo.
In a statement by NANS Senate President, Akinteye Afeez, the students’ body said the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of academic qualifications was commendable.
It, however, urged the government to ‘carefully consider’ the impact of the decision on legitimate students who have pursued their education in the affected countries.
NANS noted that many of the students have completed one, two, or three years of study, while others have successfully graduated and are eagerly awaiting the approval of their evaluation lists to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
The body added that these students now find themselves in a state of uncertainty, facing potential delays in their academic and professional pursuits.
“We believe there is a need for reassessment. While the reported corruption is undoubtedly a cause for concern, it is crucial to distinguish between those involved in fraudulent activities and the vast majority of students who have pursued their education genuinely,” the statement partly read.
It added, “Furthermore, Benin Republic and Togo host a significant number of Nigerian students seeking quality education. A blanket suspension can strain diplomatic and educational relations, impacting the opportunities available to Nigerian students in these neighbouring countries.
“A reconsideration of the suspension would alleviate the stress and uncertainties these students currently face.”
NANS also suggests that the Federal Government should reverse the suspension while maintaining a rigorous and transparent evaluation process.
