The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that security agencies will actively pursue individuals holding counterfeit university degrees. Education Minister Tahir Mamman made this declaration during an event in Abuja, emphasizing the government’s commitment to purging the system of fraudulent qualifications to ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s education sector.
Building a Reliable Database for Education
The move to target fake degree holders is part of a broader initiative aimed at establishing a dependable and accurate database for the education sector. Minister Mamman highlighted the importance of this database in facilitating effective planning from the basic level of education. It aims to promote skill acquisition, development, and significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children across the country.
Focus on Foreign-Certified Degrees
This initiative follows an earlier statement by Minister Mamman in January, where he disclosed plans for security agents to identify Nigerians utilizing fake certificates obtained from foreign countries. These fraudulent credentials have been used to secure various opportunities within Nigeria, compromising the quality and reputation of the country’s workforce. The minister expressed a lack of sympathy for individuals involved in such practices, labeling them as part of a criminal chain that merits arrest and prosecution.
Expanding the Dragnet Beyond Benin and Togo
Initially, the Federal Government had suspended the accreditation of academic certificates from Benin and Togo as part of its efforts to stem the tide of fake degrees. However, the scope of this operation is set to widen, with Minister Mamman announcing plans to include degrees from other countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and the Niger Republic. This decision follows revelations of how easily fraudulent degrees can be obtained from institutions in these countries, further undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s education and employment systems.
An investigative report had exposed the ease with which a journalist obtained a degree from a university in the Benin Republic in under two months, subsequently using it to register for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This incident precipitated the immediate suspension of certificate accreditation from Benin and Togo and prompted a thorough investigation. The minister has called for a comprehensive report on this probe within three months, signaling the government’s seriousness in addressing this issue.
The Federal Government’s decisive stance on fake degrees underscores a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s education system and ensuring that qualifications held by individuals truly reflect their educational achievements and capabilities.
