The Benin Republic and Togo universities’ degree certificates are no longer eligible for accreditation or review, as the Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a firm stand in this regard. Research that detailed how students graduated from a Benin Republic university in less than two months is what prompted the suspension.

Augustina Obilor-Duru, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, expressed deep concern over the report, stating, “This 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.”

The suspension, effective from January 2, 2024, is a precautionary measure pending the outcome of a thorough investigation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria will collaborate with the relevant ministries responsible for education in Benin and Togo, as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) during the investigation.

The Ministry of Education is calling on Nigerians to provide information that could aid the committee in its investigation and help find lasting solutions to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The statement from the ministry highlighted the persistent challenge of illegal institutions, both abroad and domestically, preying on unsuspecting Nigerians and individuals deliberately patronizing such outlets. The ministry has issued periodic warnings against resorting to such institutions, and reports have been made to security agencies to take action against the perpetrators.

“The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials,” the statement added.