FG Exposes Over 22,700 Nigerians Holding Fake Degrees from Benin, Togo

The Federal Government has revealed that more than 22,700 Nigerians are holding fake degree certificates obtained from institutions in Benin Republic and Togo.

This alarming discovery was made public by the Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, during a press conference held in Abuja to mark his one-year tenure.

Committee Inauguration and Investigation

In January 2024, the Federal Government took decisive action by inaugurating a committee to investigate private universities established in the last 15 years.

The committee, chaired by Jibrin Amin, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, was also tasked with probing the growing issue of degree certificate racketeering by both foreign and local universities in Nigeria.

Findings and Recommendations

The committee submitted its findings to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in July 2024, with recommendations aimed at addressing and reforming the current system.

The report revealed that between 2019 and 2023, about 22,789 Nigerians obtained fake degree certificates from institutions in Benin Republic and Togo.

Government’s Response

Minister Mamman expressed his concern over this widespread malpractice.

He highlighted the impact on genuine students who spend years earning their degrees through hard work and dedication.

Mamman stated that disciplinary actions have been taken against certain staff members within the Ministry of Education who were found to be involved in this illegal activity.

The Extent of the Issue

Data from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) shows that around 21,684 students from Benin Republic and 1,105 from Togo presented fake certificates during the period under review.

These students attended institutions that are not recognized by the respective countries to offer degree programmes.

Investigative Report Exposes Certificate Racketeering

In late 2023, an investigative report uncovered a thriving certificate racketeering syndicate in Benin Republic and Togo.

This syndicate specializes in selling fake university degrees to Nigerians.

The investigation revealed that a reporter was able to obtain a backdated university degree certificate from Cotonou within six weeks without ever leaving Nigeria.

This fake certificate was then used to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme without detection.

Call for Vigilance

This discovery highlights the need for greater vigilance and stricter enforcement of educational standards.

The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that only legitimate certificates are recognized, and those involved in such fraudulent activities face the full weight of the law.