“Certificate Forger Is a Thief and Danger to Nigeria,” Says Tinubu’s Education Minister

President Bola Tinubu’s administration, through Education Minister Tahir Mamman, has condemned individuals holding counterfeit certificates from various African countries, branding them as “thieves” and a “danger” to Nigeria.

In a recent interview with Channels TV, Mamman expressed his concerns over the impact of fake certificates on the job market. “These individuals are presenting qualifications they have not earned, which is problematic,” he said. “Such people can end up in crucial positions, including medical roles, where their lack of genuine expertise could be harmful.”

The minister revealed that the government is taking stringent measures against employees who have used fraudulent certificates from institutions in Benin Republic, Togo, and other African nations. He questioned the legitimacy of these foreign institutions, stating that they are not recognized degree-awarding entities by Nigerian standards.

Mamman further criticized those who secure high-grade certificates through fraudulent means, accusing them of undermining the job prospects of qualified Nigerian graduates. “These certificates are often obtained through bribery and other illicit practices,” he noted.

The crackdown on certificate forgers follows a report by Daily Nigerian revealing how Nigerians purchase fake certificates from Benin Republic University. This initiative by Tinubu’s administration comes amid ongoing controversies regarding President Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate. Despite the Supreme Court dismissing new evidence in the certificate forgery case, public debate on the issue continues.