FG to Withdraw Recognition of Universities in Kenya, Uganda, Niger Republic Following Accreditation Scandal

In the wake of the suspension of accreditation for degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo, the Federal Government has announced its decision to extend sanctions to universities in Uganda, Kenya, and Niger Republic. Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, emphasized on the Politics Today programme that the government intends to broaden its scrutiny beyond Benin and Togo.

Speaking about the accreditation scandal, Mamman stated, “We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo. We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, even Niger here where such institutions have been set up.”

The move comes after an undercover journalist from Daily Nigeria newspaper exposed the ease of obtaining a degree from a university in Benin Republic within two months. The Federal Government swiftly suspended accreditation for certificates from both Benin and Togo, launching a probe expected to conclude in three months.

Mamman, addressing the issue, expressed a stern stance, stating that students who patronize such institutions are not victims but criminals. “I have no sympathy for such people. Instead, they are part of the criminal chain that should be arrested,” the minister declared.

Furthermore, the government plans to take action against individuals with fake certificates from foreign countries who are utilizing them to secure opportunities in Nigeria. On a related matter, Mamman reassured the public that the promised student loan would be operational this quarter, with a committee diligently working to implement the President’s commitment.