A non-governmental organisation, Education for Accelerated Development (EDAD), has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to rethink its recent decision to invalidate certificates from universities in the Republic of Benin and Togo.
The organisation argues that this decision undermines efforts to foster strong diplomatic relations within the West African region and unfairly affects many students and professionals.
The Ministry of Education recently announced that only three universities in Togo and five in Benin Republic are officially accredited to issue degree certificates.
The Ministry’s action was part of a broader effort to address academic fraud and ensure the integrity of educational qualifications.
However, this decision has faced significant backlash from various stakeholders, including EDAD.
The organisation believes that labeling nearly 50 universities in Benin and Togo as “fake” based on the actions of a few institutions is unjust and detrimental to regional cooperation.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Dr. Livinus Mbaonu, the Lead Consultant of EDAD, expressed concern over the federal government’s decision.
Mbaonu criticised the action as hasty and poorly thought out, urging the Ministry of Education to reconsider its stance.
“We find the decision of the Federal Government to withdraw recognition of certificates from universities in Benin Republic and Togo worrisome and disturbing,” Dr. Mbaonu said.
“This does not in any way build the spirit of regional integration. Instead, it creates unnecessary tension and confusion.”
Dr. Mbaonu pointed out that the Ministry of Education’s website previously listed over 50 universities from Benin and Togo as accredited.
The sudden reversal of this recognition has raised questions about the consistency and fairness of the government’s decision-making process.
The decision to invalidate these certificates has serious implications for individuals who have studied and worked hard to earn their degrees.
EDAD highlighted that professionals with qualifications from these institutions may face job losses and emotional distress as a result of the government’s move.
“We are also concerned about the psychological impact on those whose certificates are now deemed invalid,” Dr. Mbaonu added.
“Many people have invested years of effort into their education, and this decision risks not only their jobs but also their mental well-being.”
EDAD has also expressed concern that the blanket invalidation of certificates unfairly targets private universities and undermines the quality education provided by these institutions.
The group noted that many of the affected universities are recognised by UNESCO, questioning why they are being treated differently by Nigeria.
“It must also be made clear that Benin and Togo students are studying in various academic institutions in Nigeria,” Dr. Mbaonu said.
“If these countries retaliate, it could strain our relationships with them and negatively impact regional cooperation.”
Instead of invalidating certificates, EDAD has suggested that the government consider conducting aptitude tests for affected individuals.
“We urge the relevant authorities to consider an aptitude test for those affected,” Dr. Mbaonu proposed. “This would provide a fair opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their qualifications and retain their positions.”
The group also hinted that vested interests, particularly from private institutions in Nigeria, might have influenced the decision to target foreign universities.
EDAD urged the federal government to address these concerns and reverse the decision if Nigeria is to maintain strong relationships with its neighbours and uphold fairness in educational standards.
“We are not oblivious to the fact that some private Nigerian institutions might have pushed this agenda,” Dr. Mbaonu noted.
“If we are serious about building solid relationships with our neighboring countries, we must reconsider this decision.”
