FG Dismisses 22,700 Degree Certificates from Benin Republic, Togo as Fake

EXPOSED: Over 22,700 Nigerians Hold Fake Degrees from Benin Republic, Togo.

In a shocking revelation, the federal government has uncovered a massive degree certificate racketeering scheme involving universities in Benin Republic and Togo. According to Education Minister Tahir Mamman, at least 22,789 Nigerians have obtained fake degrees from these institutions between 2019 and 2023.

The minister made this disclosure during a press conference in Abuja, marking his first year in office. The revelation comes after a committee set up by the government in January 2024 to investigate private universities and degree certificate racketeering submitted its report to the federal executive council (FEC) in July.

The investigation found that 21,684 fake certificates were obtained from Benin Republic, while 1,105 were from Togo. Mamman attributed the success of the investigation to data from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which helped uncover the fake certificates.

The minister assured that action has been taken against implicated staff members, and the entire unit has undergone a review. “We cannot allow individuals with fake certificates to compete with students who earned their degrees through genuine hard work,” he said.

This expose follows an investigative report from late 2023 that uncovered a certificate racketeering syndicate operating in Benin Republic and Togo. The investigation revealed how agents in Nigeria collaborated with illegal university campuses in Cotonou to sell backdated degree certificates.

The investigation led by Jibrin Amin, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, recommended significant reforms to address the issue. The federal government has vowed to take decisive action against those involved in the racketeering scheme.

The revelation has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The government’s efforts to tackle degree certificate racketeering are seen as a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

As the investigation continues, many are left wondering how such a large-scale scheme went undetected for so long. The incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of educational institutions, both within and outside Nigeria.

The federal government’s commitment to addressing this issue is a positive development, but it remains to be seen how effectively the reforms will be implemented. One thing is certain – the days of fake degree certificates are numbered, and those involved in the racketeering scheme will face the full force of the law.