Federal Government Stops Universities in the Republic of Benin and Togo from Issuing Degree Certificates

On Tuesday, Jan 2nd, 2024, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, suspended the accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo. 

According to the Ministry, this action was taken after an undercover investigation by a Nigerian newspaper uncovered fraudulent practices linked to a degree mill operating in Cotonou, a significant city in the Benin Republic. The investigation revealed that the reporter obtained a degree from Cotonou University in only six weeks. Not only that, the reporter also participated in the compulsory one-year program organized by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In Nigeria, earning a degree usually takes a minimum of four years and a maximum of six years. The unusual developments observed at universities in Benin and Togo raised concerns, prompting the intervention of the federal government. 

Data on the website of the NUC (National Universities Commission) has revealed a full list of universities caught in this act and the Federal Government has cautioned students about settling for the mentioned universities which include: 

• University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.

• Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.

• The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.

• Columbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.

• Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.

• Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.

• Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.

• African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.

While this news has caught the attention of many Nigerians, almost everyone has a thing or two to say. An X user said "What about those who have already benefited from the fraud? Forgive my stupid question. They have a role model or role models." 

Another X user said "I’m happy that the investigation yielded something positive. Now, let’s improve our public tertiary education so it won’t be other countries suspending accreditation of our degree certificates soon." 

The FG has made it clear that there is no way a 2-week program should let anyone earn a degree certificate and because of this, it is standing its ground to leave the universities mentioned above on blacklist. 

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