FG invalidates degrees from Cotonou University issued from 2017 onwards

FG invalidates degrees from Cotonou University issued from 2017 onwards

The Federal Government has announced that all degree certificates issued by Cotonou University from 2017 onwards are now invalid, effective immediately. This decision also mandates the termination of any Federal Government employees found with counterfeit degrees obtained from institutions in the Republics of Benin and Togo.

During a press conference in Abuja on Friday, marking his first year in office, Minister of Education Tahir Mamman revealed that these measures were approved at a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

Mamman explained that the action was prompted by concerns about Nigerian students obtaining degrees from unrecognized institutions in neighboring countries, or, in some cases, acquiring fake certificates without attending any classes.

“A committee was established to investigate the issue after reports emerged about students procuring degrees from institutions in neighboring countries, some without even attending the schools,” Mamman said. “The committee’s findings were reviewed and presented to the FEC, which approved several recommendations for implementation across relevant ministries and agencies, including the NYSC and Immigration.”

He revealed that disciplinary measures are already being enforced against affected staff, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

“Over 21,684 students have been identified by the NYSC as holding fake certificates from the Benin Republic, obtained between 2019 and 2023, and 1,105 from Togo. These so-called institutions are not recognized in their home countries and cannot be allowed to compete with our students who have worked hard to earn their degrees from accredited Nigerian universities and polytechnics,” Mamman stressed.

He added that any degrees obtained from unapproved universities, particularly those offering programs solely in English since 2017, are considered invalid. He also warned that many Nigerians who attempted to evade proper screening processes have since disappeared.

As part of the enforcement, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) will issue a circular to all employers, both public and private, instructing them to identify and dismiss any employees holding certificates from these unrecognized institutions. The Head of Service has also been directed to remove any such individuals from the public service.

“This is the definitive stance of the Federal Government on the matter,” Mamman concluded