In light of the concerns over the alleged fake degrees obtained from Nigerian’s neigbouring countries-Benin, Togo, Gom Mirian in this report explores some pertinent questions surrounding the government’s action banning certificates from these countries and its impact on the education system.
Fake Degrees: A Deepening Crisis
The story of probing questionable degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from countries like Benin, Togo, Cameron and Ghana by the Nigerian government is no longer new. However, what is new is that these fake certificates are still being accepted by the government for government jobs and political positions, while the hard-working graduates who undergo academic rigours for at least four years to obtain their degrees from recognised Nigerian tertiary institutions languish in joblessness and hopelessness.
Last week, during his one-year in-office briefing, Federal Minister of Education Professor Tahir Mamman announced that the government has authorized the dismissal of employees who secured jobs using fake degrees from institutions in Benin and Togo.
Mamman revealed, “The NYSC has identified approximately 21,684 students with fake certificates from the Benin Republic, obtained between 2019 and 2023.”
The federal government, through the Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies, has been investigating degrees from tertiary institutions in Benin Republic and Togo.
This scrutiny followed a December 2023 report by Daily Nigerian, which exposed how its reporter secured a degree from Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies in Cotonou, Benin, in under two months. The reporter then used this degree to participate in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme, (NYSC)without being exposed by the system.
The persistent concern is that this is not the first time the Nigerian government has attempted to address the issue of fake degrees from these countries.
In April 2018, the federal government took steps to combat the issue of substandard degrees by blacklisting certain dubious institutions in Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, and Togo. At that time, then-Minister of Education Adamu Adamu established a 16-member committee to review the qualifications of 40,000 Nigerians who had obtained degrees from these foreign institutions.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists, raising important questions: What happens after such measures are implemented? Will the issue merely be exposed in the news and then fade away? How does the government plan to prosecute the more than 22,500 individuals currently holding fake degrees? These and other concerns remain unresolved.
Data and Statistics: The Scale of the Problem
The scale of the degree fraud problem is staggering. According to recent data from the Nigerian Ministry of Education, over 22,500 individuals have been identified as using fake degrees to secure employment in both public and private sectors. This includes a wide range of industries, from government positions to private enterprises, demonstrating the pervasive nature of the issue.
The investigation also revealed that fraudulent degrees are often obtained from institutions in Benin and Togo, where the process is alarmingly swift and easy. In some cases, degrees can be acquired in less than two months, as Daily Nigerian’s investigation highlights. This rapid acquisition contributes to the widespread use of fake qualifications.
Personal Stories: The Human Toll
The impact of this issue is felt deeply by many. In separate interviews, Africa Health Report, (AHR) spoke to some potential persons who may be affected by this policy who are currently working with degrees obtained from Cotonou, Benin Republic to share their opinion and experience.
Bisola, a graduate from the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies in Benin, expressed distress over the situation. “I have my aged mother to care for and younger siblings depending on me. Where do I start?”
Bisola, currently employed in a federal government agency, was unaware of the fraudulent nature of her institution. “I checked the school’s accreditation status with Nigerian authorities and completed my studies. I couldn’t have known the certificates were fake,” she said, her voice trembling.
Another individual, Ola Adeyemi, who graduated from Les Cours Sonou University in Benin in 2016, shared his experience. “I travelled to Benin due to the ASUU strike and the difficulty in gaining admission in Nigeria,” he said. “It’s disheartening to be labelled as fraudulent when I worked hard for my degree. The government needs to investigate thoroughly and not generalize,” he urged.
Why do Nigerians seek degrees from these institutions despite the presence of reputable universities within the country?
In an exclusive interview with AHR, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), “The situation reflects deep-rooted inefficiencies and frustrations with our educational system. People look for shortcuts due to dissatisfaction with local universities.
“I think the choice to study in neighbouring countries like Ghana and Togo, despite the availability of good universities in Nigeria, stems from various factors. Some individuals believe that these countries offer less stringent admission requirements which might seem attractive to those seeking to bypass the more rigorous standards of Nigerian universities.
“Moreover, there is a belief that these foreign institutions offer quicker academic calendars as opposed to the prolonged academic calendars that are usually faced by the students in Nigeria due to frequent lecturers’ strikes termed ‘ASUU strike’.
“In addition, some Nigerians perceive foreign certificates, even from neighbouring countries, as more prestigious or valuable in certain job markets and that usually propels them to pursue education abroad.”
He stresses that while Nigerian universities face their challenges, individuals must trust and invest in legitimate educational pathways. “Rather than turning to fraudulent institutions, we need to address the root causes of dissatisfaction with our education system and work towards meaningful reform.”
Speaking further on why people turn to fake degrees, the National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Nigeria (NAPPS), Chief Abayomi Otubela, adds another layer to the discussion. “The resort to acquiring fake degrees in a matter of months rather than undergoing the standard academic process can be attributed to a combination of desperation and a misguided quest for shortcuts. For instance, in a highly competitive job market, where credentials are often prioritised, some individuals may feel pressured to obtain degrees by any means necessary, including fraudulent ones.
“I also believe that the prevalence of such practices reflects a deeper issue of declining ethical standards and the erosion of the value placed on genuine education.”
He said, “I want to believe that the Federal Government’s decision to dismiss individuals holding fake certificates is both necessary and appropriate as it will send a strong message that academic integrity and genuine qualifications are non-negotiable.
“However, this decision should also highlight the need for a broader discussion about the factors driving individuals to seek these fake certificates in the first place. There are implications for society at large, as this situation underscores the importance of reinforcing the value of quality education and maintaining high standards in both public and private educational institutions.”
“Yes, I do believe that dismissing individuals holding fake certificates is appropriate, as the government’s action is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our education system and ensuring that only qualified individuals hold positions of responsibility. This action will also serve as a deterrent to others who might want to consider similar shortcuts.
“However, I would hope and advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes preventive measures, such as stricter verification processes and educational campaigns on the importance of authentic qualifications.”
Government Response and Next Steps
When contacted, Folashada Bioworo, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, requested additional time to review the documents before responding.
After repeated follow-ups by our correspondent, she stated, “This can be addressed next week. However, you can find the information you’re seeking in other newspapers, such as the News Agency of Nigeria. There’s nothing more I can do at this moment.”
Bioworo’s response highlights the bureaucratic hurdles involved in addressing the issue. The need for stricter verification processes and comprehensive educational campaigns remains crucial in tackling the problem of degree fraud.
Economic Implications and Solutions
Addressing the certificate fraud crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Key solutions include; Improving the quality and accessibility of education in Nigeria to reduce the appeal of foreign degrees.
This involves addressing the issues leading to strikes and inefficiencies within the local educational system, and implementing more rigorous verification processes for academic qualifications, both domestically and internationally, to prevent the circulation of fake degrees.
The economic implications of this scandal are far-reaching, impacting the credibility of the Nigerian workforce and the reputation of educational institutions.
By tackling the root causes of degree fraud and reinforcing the value of authentic qualifications, Nigeria can work towards a more reliable and credible educational system and workforce. This crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and effective measures to restore integrity and trust in the nation’s academic institutions.
