*Says it does not represent true picture
*Asks FG to reverse its stance on the matter.
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
A group, the Nigerian Lecturers in Benin Republic on Thursday, faulted the invalidation of degrees obtained from universities in the Republics of Benin and Togo by the Federal Government.
The Nigerian lecturers in a statement signed by their President, Gabriel A. Kona noted that the announcement by the Nigerian Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman on the invalidation of the degrees is false and misleading,
According to the Nigerian lecturers, the said information by the Minister of Education, “does not represent the true picture of these universities or the certificates they issue”, saying, “a thorough investigation and contact with the site and office of the ministry of education in Benin and Togo republics into the validity of these claims has revealed significant inaccuracies in the minister’s statement.
” The recent announcement by the Nigerian Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman regarding the invalidation of degrees obtained from universities in the Republics of Benin and Togo has caused significant concern among students, parents, and educational institutions, and this press release wishes to categorically state that the information is false and misleading, as it does not represent the true picture of these universities or the certificates they issue”, it said.
The Nigerian Lecturers added, ” The Minister’s declaration came after a report from a Nigerian investigative journalist shared the news of the existence of a racketeering network facilitating the acquisition of certificates from universities in Benin Republic. This report raised concerns about the validity of these certificates and led to a broader inquiry by the Nigerian government”
” Premised on this, the Nigerian education minister stated that only five universities in Benin and three in Togo are accredited to award degrees, and that degrees obtained from other institutions in these countries are invalid, throwing a lot of past and present students in turmoil, thus threatening their academic and vocational pursuit. However, a thorough investigation and contact with the site and office of the ministry of education in Benin and Togo republics into the validity of these claims has revealed significant inaccuracies in the minister’s statement”
It stressed further, ” The Ministry of Higher Education in the Republic of Benin has officially published a list of 90 accredited institutions authorized to award degrees.This list includes a wide range of private and public universities that are fully recognized and accredited by the Beninese government. The claim that only five universities in Benin are accredited is therefore incorrect and misleading”
” Similarly, the Republic of Togo has accredited several universities, contrary to the minister’s statement that only three are recognized. The misinformation provided by the Nigerian Minister of Education has caused unnecessary panic and distress among students and parents, many of whom have invested significant resources in their education abroad” .
” Further investigation and direct communication with the Ministry of Higher Education in Benin have confirmed that the universities listed in the Nigerian minister’s statement are indeed accredited, but they are not the only institutions recognized by the Beninese government. The comprehensive list provided by the Beninese authorities clearly includes a wide range of institutions, including several private universities that have been unjustly discredited by the Nigerian government’s statement”.
It maintained that” The Beninese Ministry of Education has expressed concern over the misinformation and emphasized that all accredited institutions in Benin are recognized and authorized to award degrees. The ministry also highlighted the importance of recognizing the sovereignty of neighboring countries and respecting their accreditation processes”.
According to the lecturers “The erroneous statement by the Nigerian Minister of Education has had a profound impact on Nigerian students studying in Benin and Togo. These students, who have worked hard to obtain their degrees, now face the risk of having their qualifications invalidated, which could have severe consequences for their future careers”, adding, “The Nigerian government’s decision to invalidate these degrees based on inaccurate information undermines the educational achievements of thousands of students and raises questions about the integrity of the investigation conducted by the Nigerian authorities”.
” It is imperative that the Nigerian government reverse its stance on this matter, taking into consideration the accurate information provided by the Beninese and Togolese authorities. The future of Nigerian students who have studied diligently in these countries should not be jeopardized by a decision based on misinformation. The Nigerian government must ensure that its actions are based on verified facts and that the rights of its citizens to pursue education in accredited institutions abroad are upheld.”
