The Federal Government has announced that only eight universities are accredited to grant degrees to Nigerians in Togo and Benin Republic.
Minister of Education Tahir Mamman made this announcement on Sunday night during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
The Minister stated that the Federal Government officially recognizes three institutions in Togo and five in Benin Republic, while categorizing others as illegal.
He emphasized that the government’s decision to cancel approximately 22,700 certificates awarded to Nigerians by some “fake” universities in Togo and Benin is final.
Mamman asserted that invalidating these certificates is not a harsh measure, as degrees from such illegal institutions tarnish Nigeria’s reputation.
He explained, “Many individuals flaunting these fake certificates never even left Nigeria; they obtained their credentials through racketeering in collusion with government officials both at home and abroad.”
He added that the “fake universities” exploited the naivety of Nigerians who enrolled in these fraudulent institutions.
The federal government, through the offices of the Head of Civil Service and the Secretary of the Federation, plans to identify those in government employment with these fake certificates. He also urged the private sector to do the same.
Mamman listed the following three accredited public universities in Togo that are approved to offer degree programs to Nigerian students:
1. Université de Lomé
2. Université de Kara
3. Catholic University of West Africa
Additionally, he identified five accredited universities in Benin Republic authorized to provide degree programs to Nigerian students:
1. Université d’Abomey-Calavi
2. Université de Parakou
3. Université Nationale des Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques
4. Université Nationale d’Agriculture
5. Université Africaine de Développement Coopératif
