The Nigerian government has revealed that over 22,500 citizens are currently using fake certificates obtained from universities in Benin Republic and Togo between 2019 and 2023. This alarming statistic was shared by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a press conference held in Abuja to mark his first year in office.
Prof. Mamman highlighted that over 21,600 of these fake certificates came from unaccredited universities in Benin Republic, while approximately 1,105 were from unaccredited institutions in Togo. He emphasized that these figures were gathered from various sources, including records from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“From all indications, the actual number is likely higher. Many individuals may have avoided the mandatory NYSC program or other activities that would have allowed us to collect their data,” the Minister stated. “Unfortunately, these fake certificates have been used to secure job positions in both government and private sectors, under the pretense of having studied abroad. Meanwhile, those who genuinely worked hard to earn their qualifications are left struggling to find employment.”
Prof. Mamman also pointed out that the universities in question, even within Benin and Togo, were not accredited to offer degree programs. “It’s baffling that Nigerians would choose to attend unaccredited institutions abroad. Our investigations revealed that many of these individuals never even set foot in these schools,” he added.
To address this issue, the Minister confirmed that the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation is preparing a circular that will help identify and prosecute those involved. He urged private sector employers to scrutinize foreign certificates held by their employees, particularly those obtained from these countries between 2019 and 2023. “The forthcoming circular will also apply to the private sector,” he noted.
Furthermore, the Minister clarified that only five universities in Benin and three in Togo are accredited to offer degree programs. Graduates from these accredited institutions will not be subject to the punitive measures.
On a positive note, Prof. Mamman reported that the government had successfully returned about four million out-of-school children to classrooms, thanks to several initiatives led by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children. “Our goal is to bring 3 to 4 million children off the streets and back to school each year. If we achieve this, we will have made significant progress by the end of this administration,” he said.
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