Over 10 Nigerian Entertainers have certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo varsities 

While several bodies continue to urge the federal government to make more investigations on the issue of certificate racketeering so that it doesn't affect innocent students, more revelations have come to the open. 

As of yesterday, reports show that about 10 Nigerian entertainers acquired degree certificates from the varsities in Togo and Benin Republic. The insinuation from the information is that these certificates might be fake and again the FG declared plans to broaden this penalty to nations like Uganda, Kenya, and Niger Republic.

Augustina Obilor-Duru, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, stated on Tuesday, January 2, that the findings of the report supported the belief that certain Nigerians utilize unethical approaches to obtain a degree, aiming to secure graduate job opportunities they are not legitimately qualified for. 

"The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC),” he added. 

On the program "Politics Today" aired on Channels Television, the Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, participating as a guest on Wednesday, January 3, vowed to pursue individuals using forged certificates acquired from foreign nations to secure jobs in Nigeria. Referring to such individuals as "criminals" involved in illicit activities, Mamman pointed out the necessity to apprehend them rather than show sympathy. He stressed that these individuals would be pursued relentlessly as there's no expiration for criminal behavior, asserting that security agencies will track them down, including investigating their affiliated institutions within the country.

"We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo. We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, and even Niger where such institutions have been set up." 

All of these happen after it was confirmed that some Nigerian entertainers received degrees, including honorary doctorates, from different universities in Benin Republic. For now, there are about 10 of them including: 

• Alex Ekubo 

The Nollywood actor was conferred an honorary doctorate in Arts and Culture by the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion University in Benin Republic.

• Ireti Doyle

The popular Nollywood actress was listed in the 2022 academic honour roll. The Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion University in Benin Republic granted her an honorary doctorate in August. 

• Peter Edochie

The renowned actor and experienced movie luminary was granted dual honorary doctorates by the International School of Technology and Management (ISTM) University, Togo, in September 2023. 

• Martins Okey Justice

The Nigerian Singer bagged an honorary doctorate from ESTAM University, at the Seme Campus in the Republic of Benin

• Ayra Starr (Oyinkansola Aderibigbe)

The badass singer bagged a degree in International Relations and Political Science from the Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic. 

• Kafayat Shafau

Kafayat Shafau received a doctorate from Escae Benin University in the Benin Republic for being an exceptional talent in the dance industry. 

• IK Ogbonna

Famous Nigerian actor, Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna, also known as IK, was awarded a Degree of Arts in Leadership and Development in 2022. The honorary degree was from the Institut Superieur De Technologies Et De Management in Togo. 

• Bob Manuel Udokwu

The stellar actor bagged a Doctorate Degree in Arts and Culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion University.

• Mark Ezuruonye

Popular Nollywood actor, Michael Ezuruonye was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Arts and Literature from ESTAM University, situated at the Seme Campus in the Republic of Benin

For more news/stories like this, sign up on our website. Also, you may want to follow us on social media: 

Facebook: Hub for Jobs

Twitter: @hubforjobs

Instagram: @hubforjobs