Nigerian government fires Togo, Benin Republic degree holders from MDAs

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed civil servants who obtained degrees from private universities in Benin Republic and Togo between 2017 and now. This decision follows concerns over certificate racketeering and the validity of degrees from institutions in these countries.

The directive comes after investigations revealed widespread irregularities, including a journalist acquiring a degree from a Benin Republic university in just two months to qualify for the National Youth Service Corps scheme. In response, the government banned the accreditation of degrees from such institutions and announced that only eight universities in these countries are officially recognized for awarding degrees to Nigerians.

Former Education Minister Tahir Mamman disclosed that over 22,500 Nigerians had obtained fake certificates from universities in Benin Republic and Togo, which have since been canceled. An inter-ministerial investigative committee found these certificates to be fraudulent and recommended sanctions.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has issued directives to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enforce the order. However, the number of affected workers remains unspecified.

The official stated, “There was a letter from the SGF cabinet affairs directing all ministries, departments and agencies of government to identify and terminate the appointments of workers employed with certificates obtained from the private universities in the Republic of Benin and Togo from 2017 to date. 

 “The decision is part of the recommendations of the committee set up to investigate the certificates of people who graduated from the universities.”