The Nigerian government has dismissed civil servants with degrees from unaccredited institutions in Benin Republic and Togo, affecting federal employees since 2017. This follows an investigation into degree fraud, revealing over 22,500 dubious diplomas. The government aims to uphold its reputation and has urged the private sector to take similar actions against fraudulent credentials.
The Nigerian government has dismissed civil servants holding degrees from private institutions in Benin Republic and Togo. This action pertains to federal employees who graduated from these institutions since 2017. Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information and Public Relations for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this announcement to the press.
In August, a statement from the Nigerian government highlighted that only eight colleges in Togo and Benin Republic are accredited to confer degrees on Nigerian students. This follow-up arose after an investigative report suggested a Daily Nigerian journalist received a degree in two months from a university in Benin Republic, subsequently participating in the National Youth Service Corps program.
As a result of this report, educational authorities in Benin Republic and Togo initiated a ban on the accreditation and evaluation of tertiary degrees. Additionally, the Nigerian Federal Government instituted an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee focused on addressing degree certificate racketeering.
Former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, noted that over 22,500 Nigerians had acquired dubious degrees from institutions in Benin Republic and Togo, and these diplomas are set to be annulled. He emphasized that this decision regarding the invalidation was necessary to preserve Nigeria’s public image.
Mamman asserted that a significant number of individuals carrying these fraudulent degrees had likely never set foot in these countries, instead engaging in racketeering schemes facilitated by corrupt officials. He urged the private sector to also scrutinize their employees’ qualifications and follow the government’s lead in addressing this matter.
Although the exact count of affected civil servants remains undetermined, it has been reported that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation directed all relevant ministries and agencies to comply with this order. An anonymous source indicated that dismissals occurred in line with recommendations from the investigative committee.
Some organizations, including the National Youth Service Corps, have begun to implement the directive. Caroline Embu, the NYSC Director of Information, stated that five employees had already been terminated in accordance with the SGF’s instructions.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government’s recent decision to terminate civil servants with degrees from unaccredited institutions in Benin Republic and Togo reflects a significant commitment to combating certificate fraud. With over 22,500 degrees annulled, the administration seeks to restore integrity within the civil service and maintain the nation’s reputation. This move underscores the need for vigilance against fraudulent educational practices and encourages the private sector to adopt similar scrutiny measures.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
