The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to reconsider its decision to suspend the accreditation and examination of degree credentials from schools and universities in African neighbours Benin Republic and Togo.
The request was made by the National Union of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
The Federal Government froze diplomas from the two francophone West African nations on Tuesday after it responded to a story that described how a degree was obtained from a university in the Benin Republic in just two months.
The move followed the suspension announced in a statement by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.
The federal government had lamented that “some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified”.
Reacting to the move, the NANS Senate President, Akinteye Afeez, commended the administration but asked that it “carefully consider” the effect of the decision on eligible students who have pursued their studies in these nations.
“We believe there is a need for reassessment. While the reported corruption is undoubtedly a cause for concern, it is crucial to distinguish between those involved in fraudulent activities and the vast majority of students who have pursued their education genuinely,” the NANS statement partly read.
“Furthermore, Benin Republic and Togo host a significant number of Nigerian students seeking quality education. A blanket suspension can strain diplomatic and educational relations, impacting the opportunities available to Nigerian students in these neighbouring countries.
“A reconsideration of the suspension would alleviate the stress and uncertainties these students currently face.”