Nigerian Government Expands Crackdown on Fake Degrees Beyond Benin and Togo
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, announced an expansion of the government’s investigation into fraudulent degrees, stating, “We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo.” Mamman revealed plans to extend the probe to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Niger, where similar institutions have reportedly been established.
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| Minister Of Education, Tahir Mamman |
The move comes in response to an exposé by an undercover journalist from Daily Nigeria newspaper, detailing how he obtained a degree from a Benin Republic university in under two months and was subsequently deployed for the National Youth Service Corps. Following this revelation, the Federal Government swiftly suspended accreditation for certificates from both Benin and Togo, initiating a comprehensive investigation expected to conclude in three months.
Minister Mamman expressed stern condemnation for students involved in acquiring fake degrees, declaring them as criminals rather than victims. He emphasized that security agents would pursue individuals possessing fraudulent foreign certificates, particularly those exploiting them to secure opportunities within Nigeria.
Addressing concerns about student loans, Mamman reassured the public, stating, “The President has given his word that it will be operational from this quarter,” and affirmed that the committee is diligently working to implement the president’s commitment.
