The Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended official acknowledgement and approval of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republic.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by Mrs Augustina Obilor-Duru, Assistant Director, Press, Ministry of Education.
This suspension came as a result an investigative work by a journalist that led to a publication in the Daily Nigerian Newspaper on Dec. 30.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a reporter with the newspaper, Mr Umar Audu had carried out an investigation titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in six weeks, participated in NYSC scheme”.
Responding to the allegations, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu said it is embarking on a thorough investigation.
According to the Commission, “the probe will rigorously examine the networks and individuals engaged in these malpractices, with the objective of restoring and preserving the integrity of our educational system.”
The Commission said it will engage in a synergistic collaboration with relevant domestic and international bodies to jointly evaluate the legitimacy of academic qualifications procured from overseas institutions, especially those highlighted in the investigative report.
However, Obilor-Duru said the suspension was pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the two countries.
She said that the investigation would also involve the ministries responsible for education in the two countries as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).
She called on the general public to support the efforts by showing understanding and providing useful information that would assist in finding lasting solutions to prevent further occurrences.
“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 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 a clandestine manner outside the control of regulators is a global problem that all countries grapple with.
“The ministry 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 patronise such outlets,’’ she said.
