The Federal Government has officially recognized eight universities in Togo and Benin Republic as the only accredited institutions authorized to award degrees to Nigerians. This announcement, made by Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman, is a significant step in the government’s crackdown on educational fraud, aiming to uphold Nigeria’s academic standards.
The Minister disclosed that over 22,500 Nigerians had obtained fake degree certificates from various unaccredited institutions in these countries. The accredited universities are:
Accredited Universities in Togo:
- Université De Lomé
- Université De Kara
- Catholic University of West Africa
Accredited Universities in Benin Republic:
- Université D’Abomey-Calavi
- Université De Parakou
- Université Nationale Des Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie Et Mathématiques
- Université Nationale D’Agriculture
- Université Africaine De Développement Coopératif
Mamman emphasized the government’s commitment to invalidating the 22,500 fake certificates and warned that those involved would face severe consequences. He stressed that the move is essential to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system, as many fake certificates were obtained through racketeering involving corrupt officials both within and outside Nigeria.
The Minister urged the private sector to assist in identifying employees with fraudulent qualifications and indicated that the government would take decisive action within the public sector to address these issues.
