Over 22,500 Nigerians Using Fake Certificates from Benin and Togo – FG

The Minister of Education has revealed that over 22,500 Nigerians have used fake certificates from unaccredited universities in Benin and Togo between 2019 and 2023, leading the government to initiate measures for identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has revealed that more than 22,500 Nigerians have been using fake certificates obtained from unaccredited universities in Benin Republic and Togo between 2019 and 2023.

According to the Minister, over 21,600 of these fake certificates were from universities in Benin Republic, while around 1,105 were from institutions in Togo.

This revelation follows an undercover investigation by a journalist who obtained a degree within six weeks from one of these institutions and even completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program with it.

Speaking at a press conference marking his first year in office, Prof. Mamman explained that the data was gathered from NYSC records and other sources. He also indicated that the actual number of fake certificates might be higher, as some individuals avoided the NYSC and other activities that could have exposed their fraudulent qualifications.

The Minister expressed concern that many Nigerians have used these fake certificates to secure jobs in both government and private sectors, depriving qualified individuals of opportunities.

He pointed out that even within Benin and Togo, the universities in question are not accredited to offer degree programs. “Many of these individuals never even attended the schools physically,” he added.

The government is preparing a circular, through the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, to identify and prosecute those using these fake certificates. Private sector employers are also urged to investigate foreign certificates obtained by their employees from 2019 to 2023 and report any fraudulent cases to the Federal Ministry of Education.

Prof. Mamman clarified that only five universities in Benin and three in Togo are accredited to offer degree programs. Graduates from these institutions are exempt from the punitive measures.

Additionally, the Minister announced that about four million out-of-school children have been reintegrated into classrooms through various government initiatives, primarily led by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children. The goal is to continue this effort, aiming to return 3 to 4 million children to school à, with the hope of achieving significant progress by the end of the administration’s term.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY TRUST