Nollywood veteran Yemi Solade has expressed curiosity about the fate of honorary degrees awarded to Nigerian celebrities in light of the Federal Government’s recent decision to tackle fake degrees from certain universities.
Solade took to Instagram on August 25, 2024, to question what will become of the honorary doctorates given to celebrities following the government’s crackdown on degrees obtained from degree mills in Benin Republic, Togo, and other countries. His post read, “What Happens To ALL The ABSURD Doctorate Degrees Splashed On Nigerian Celebs Since FG Has Pronounced That Degrees Acquired From Benin Republic Since 2017 Are INVALID? 👀”
His inquiry sparked discussion among his followers. One commented, “Valid Question.. But the answer is so clear.. Never to be used,” while another remarked, “Waste of money on frivolous degrees.”
This query follows the Federal Government’s announcement that approximately 21,600 graduates are using fake certificates obtained from institutions in these countries. Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, revealed during a press briefing on August 23, 2024, that the government is taking steps to remove fake degrees from the system. He stated, “The federal government has directed that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) issue a circular to flush out anybody with fake certificates from these institutions.”
Prof. Mamman also confirmed that only three universities in Togo and five in Benin Republic are officially approved to offer degree courses.