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Breaking: FG suspends accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic, Togo
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday announced the suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.
According to a statement on Tuesday signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, the government lamented 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”.
It followed an investigative report by Daily Nigerian Newspaper titled “How Daily Nigerian reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks”.
According to the government, the suspension persists pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria and the two countries as well as the Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps.
The statement reads, “ The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps.
“The Ministry therefore wish to call on the General Public to support its efforts, show understanding and provide useful information that will assist the Committee in finding lasting solutions in order to prevent further occurrence.
“The Ministry has also commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.
“The issue of degree mills institutions, i.e institutions that exist on paper or operate in clandestine manner outside the control of regulators is a global problem that all countries grapple with. FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets. Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”
In 2020, the NYSC said it would commence the prosecution of Nigerian graduates with fake credentials, especially from West African countries.
A former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed also in 2020 noted that certain Nigerians were purchasing fake degrees from degree mills in and out of Nigeria.
In September 2023, a newspaper exposed a certain London Graduate School selling fake honorary degrees to Nigerians.
See Press Release bellow:
Press Release
SUSPENSION OF EVALUATION AND ACCREDITATION OF DEGREE CERTIFICATES FROM THE BENIN AND TOGO REPUBLICS.
The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to the commendable work of investigative journalism that led to the publication by the Daily Nigerian Newspaper dated 30th December 2023 titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme”. This was also carried in various social media.
2. 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.
3. The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC). The Ministry therefore wish to call on the General Public to support its efforts, show understanding and provide useful information that will assist the Committee in finding lasting solutions in order to prevent further occurrence.
4. The Ministry has also commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.
5. The issue of degree mills institutions, i.e institutions that exist on paper or operate in clandestine manner outside the control of regulators is a global problem that all countries grapple with. FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets. Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.
6. The Ministry had always adopted the global standard for evaluation and accreditation of certificates of all forms which relies on receipt of the list of accredited courses and schools in all countries of the World.
7. The Ministry wishes to assure Nigerians and the general public that, it is already putting in place mechanisms to sanitise the education sector, including dissuading the quest for degree certificates (locally or from foreign countries) through a re-invigorated focus on inclusivity: reliance
on all skill sets as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
8. The Federal Ministry of Education is committed to collaborating with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to consistently enhance the Nigerian education system and we value the public’s understanding and patience as we strive to address these issues.
9. The Federal Ministry of Education wishes all Nigerians a happy new year. A year in which we would all work together to strengthen our education sector.
Signed
Mrs. Augustina Obilor-Duru
For Director Press and Public Relations
2nd January, 2023
……says Smoke Caused by Fire Suppression System
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that there was no fire at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos following an incident that prompted an earlier advisory.
Preliminary findings show that the smoke observed in the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system. The cause of the system’s activation is still under investigation.
Normal operations have since resumed at the terminal. Detailed investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the incident.
FAAN thanked passengers, airlines, airport users and other stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation, and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and security of all airport operations.
A fire has broken out at a terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, according to reports.
The incident is expected to cause flight delays, with passengers reportedly stranded outside the affected terminal as emergency responders work to contain the blaze and restore normal operations.
Further details on the cause, extent of the damage, and impact on flight schedules are still emerging. Airport authorities and emergency services are on site.
Watch video below:
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Friday praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for steady progress in the fight against insecurity, during a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
Speaking after the talks, Bello highlighted the recent foiling of an attempted abduction of schoolchildren in Kogi State as evidence of continued federal support and improved security coordination.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend Mr President and our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his relentless efforts in tackling insecurity across the nation. I also want to commend him and your humble self on the recent foiling of an attempted abduction of schoolchildren in Kogi State, which underscores the level of support the state continues to receive from the Federal Government. I attribute the successful operation to the vigilance, professionalism and improved coordination among the nation’s security agencies, which is clear evidence that intelligence-driven security operations are yielding positive results,” he said.
Bello particularly lauded Ribadu for providing strategic leadership and fostering stronger collaboration among security and intelligence agencies. He said the synergy under the NSA’s coordination had strengthened the country’s capacity to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
He also commended Tinubu’s sustained investment in intelligence gathering, security coordination and operational support, noting that these efforts had boosted the morale and effectiveness of personnel protecting lives and property.
On the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, Bello applauded the President, the National Security Adviser and the security agencies for their professionalism and determination in securing the victims’ safe release. He paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the operation.
“Mr President also deserves commendation for the recent rescue of the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. I equally commend you, my brother, the National Security Adviser, and, of course, the security agencies for your painstaking efforts, professionalism and determination in securing the safe release of the victims. I also pay tribute to the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation. Their courage and selflessness remain a testament to their unwavering commitment to the defence of our country,” he said.
Ribadu, welcoming the former governor, stressed that insecurity concerns every Nigerian and that collective action is essential.
“I want to warmly welcome you to my office this afternoon, my brother. The issue of insecurity concerns everyone in this country, and I believe that if we all play our part at our various levels, we shall overcome insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.
Bello urged citizens to remain vigilant and share timely, credible information with security agencies, emphasising that tackling insecurity requires sustained cooperation between the public and security institutions.
He expressed confidence that under Tinubu’s leadership and Ribadu’s strategic guidance, Nigeria would continue to record significant gains against criminality, with ongoing reforms and inter-agency collaboration laying a foundation for lasting peace, stability and national development.
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