- Consider legitimate students, NANS begs FG
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education, on Tuesday, announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo.
The ministry noted that its decision followed the undercover investigation conducted by a Nigerian newspaper which exposed the activity of a degree mill in Cotonou, a major city of Benin Republic.
According to the investigation, the investigative reporter bagged a degree from Cotonou University within six weeks and also participated in the mandatory one-year scheme organised by the National Youth Service Corps.
Following the analysis of data from the website of the National Universities Commission, the following are the list of foreign universities banned by the NUC.
The commission also warned Nigerians to avoid enrolling in such institutions.
University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria; Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria; The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria; Columbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria; Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria; Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria; London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria; Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Others are West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria; EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre; Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria; Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria; Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria; University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria; Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria; African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria; Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre; and Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
Consider legitimate students, NANS begs FG
However, the National Association of Nigerian Students has appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider the suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.
The students’ body maintained that the government needs to consider the impact of this decision on legitimate students who have pursued their education in the affected countries.
NANS, in a statement by its Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, lamented that the suspension has affected numerous students who are duly registered and have invested significant time and resources in their education.
Babatunde noted that the affected students now find themselves in a state of uncertainty, facing potential delays in their academic and professional pursuits.
He added, “Many have completed one, two, or three years of study, while others have successfully graduated and are eagerly awaiting the approval of their evaluation lists to participate in the National Youth Service Corps programme.
“While the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of academic qualifications is commendable, it is essential to carefully review the impact of this decision on legitimate students who have pursued their education in these countries.
“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.
“Also, suspending the accreditation of all certificates risks penalising genuine students who have worked hard and adhered to the academic regulations of their institutions.
“These students should not bear the consequences of the actions of a few. Furthermore, Benin Republic and Togo host a significant number of Nigerian students seeking quality education.”
The NANS senate president also argued that the suspension can strain diplomatic and educational relations, and impact the opportunities available to Nigerian students in these neighbouring countries.
He added, “More so, legitimate students are now caught in bureaucratic limbo, unsure about the fate of their education and future endeavours.
“A reconsideration of the suspension would alleviate the stress and uncertainties these students currently face.
“The apex student body suggests that the Federal Government reverses the suspension while maintaining a rigorous and transparent evaluation process.
“This would demonstrate the government’s commitment to justice and fairness, ensuring that those who have legitimately pursued education in Benin Republic and Togo are not unfairly penalised.
“Moreover, addressing the causes of corruption in the evaluation process, including stringent oversight, robust checks and balances, and accountability measures, will serve to strengthen the credibility of the accreditation system.”
