[FULL LIST] Fake Degree Scandal: FG Identifies Recognized Universities in Togo and Benin Republic

The Federal Government has identified eight accredited universities in Togo and Benin Republic, announcing the invalidation of approximately 22,500 fake degrees obtained by Nigerians from unaccredited institutions in these countries.

In an effort to combat the growing issue of degree certificate fraud, the Federal Government has announced that only eight universities in Togo and Benin Republic are officially accredited to award degrees to Nigerian students.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program. He revealed that approximately 22,500 Nigerians have obtained fake degree certificates from unaccredited institutions in these two countries, and these fraudulent degrees will be invalidated.

An undercover investigation previously exposed the ease with which fake degrees could be acquired, including a case where a Nigerian journalist obtained a degree from a Benin Republic university in just two months, which was then used to secure a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployment.

The minister provided a list of the three accredited universities in Togo:

1. Universite De Lome
2. Universite De Kara
3. Catholic University of West Africa

He also listed the five recognized universities in Benin Republic:

1. Universite D’Abomey-Calavi
2. Universite De Parakou
3. Universite Nationale Des Sciences, Technologis Ingenierie Et Mathematiques
4. Universite Nationale D’Agriculture
5. Universite Africaine De Development Cooperatif

Mamman reaffirmed that the federal government will not reverse its decision to cancel around 22,700 certificates awarded by these “fake” universities in Togo and Benin Republic. He emphasized that this action is necessary to protect Nigeria’s reputation, as those holding such fraudulent degrees tarnish the country’s image.

The Minister also noted that many individuals who obtained these fake certificates never actually traveled to the respective countries but instead acquired them through fraudulent means, often with the help of corrupt officials both within and outside Nigeria. He urged the federal government, including the offices of the Head of Civil Service and the Secretary to the Government, to identify and take action against those employed with fake certificates. He also called on the private sector to take similar measures.

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

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, TRIBUNE