The Nigerian government has begun terminating workers with degrees from unaccredited institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo since 2017. This decision follows investigations revealing widespread issuance of fake degrees and aims to ensure the integrity of the civil service. Various ministries, including the NYSC, have started enforcing the dismissals of affected employees, totaling over 22,500 identified fraudulent cases.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially initiated the termination of employees holding degrees from unaccredited private universities in the Benin Republic and Togo. This action pertains to individuals who graduated from these institutions between 2017 and the present date. Segun Imohiosen, the spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirmed this decision, emphasizing that it aims to eliminate unqualified personnel from the nation’s civil service.
This measure follows an earlier announcement made in August, which specified that only eight universities were authorized to confer degrees upon Nigerians in Togo and the Benin Republic. This initiative was spurred by an investigative report wherein journalist Umar Audu acquired a degree from a Benin Republic institution in just two months, enabling him to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. Consequently, the Nigerian government ceased the accreditation and recognition of degrees from foreign educational institutions in these countries.
In light of these developments, the Federal Government established an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the proliferation of fraudulent educational certificates. Former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, disclosed that over 22,500 Nigerians were found to possess fraudulent degrees from Benin Republic and Togo, leading to the conclusion that these degrees would be invalidated. As a result, various ministries and agencies, including the NYSC, have begun implementing the sacking directive, with five staff members reportedly dismissed under this mandate. This action is consistent with a warning issued by former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani regarding the dismissal of individuals holding unverified degrees from these institutions.
The situation surrounding the sacking of Nigerian workers with degrees from the Benin Republic and Togo arises from concerns regarding the credibility of educational institutions in these countries. Following reports of rampant certificate racketeering, the Nigerian government has moved to safeguard the integrity of its civil service by eliminating unqualified personnel. The involvement of media investigations has prompted government action, leading to the formation of committees to probe fraudulent practices within the educational sector. This reflects a broader commitment to maintaining standards within the country’s education system.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government’s initiative to dismiss employees with degrees from unaccredited institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo represents a significant step towards enhancing the credibility of the civil service. The actions taken not only address the immediate concerns regarding fraudulent educational practices but also underscore the government’s commitment to uphold high academic standards among its workforce. By implementing these measures, the government aims to restore faith in its institutions and prevent the infiltration of unqualified individuals.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
