The leadership of the Southwest Zone chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students, or NANS, has urged the federal government to reconsider nullifying degree credentials from Togo and the Republic of Benin’s higher education institutions.
In a statement issued by the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Alao John, Comrade Sanni Sulaimon Olamide, Secretary General, and Comrade Bamigboye Peter Oluwadamilola, Public Relations Officer, the body claimed it had to remark on the issue because of the number of Nigerian students engaged.
“We are obligated to address the Nigerian Federal Government regarding the recent decision to invalidate degrees received from universities in Benton Republic and Togo from 2017 to the present. This action, affecting over 22,000 Nigerian students, has caused widespread worry and uncertainty, jeopardising our society’s peace and stability.
“In keeping with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which states that no Nigerian student will be compelled to drop out of school, it is disheartening to notice that thousands of graduates who have spent much in their studies overseas have been left confused about their future.
This action not only diminishes their academic achievements, but it also puts them in jeopardy, perhaps exposing them to anti-government individuals looking to capitalise on their frustration.
“We recognise the government’s concern about the proliferation of inferior educational institutions and the necessity to combat academic racketeering.
However, outright banning degrees from the Benin Republic and Togo without proper diligence, especially when these certificates were previously confirmed, is both unfair and discriminatory. We urge the government to reconsider this decision, as it risks pushing talented young Nigerians into the ranks of instability, insurgency, and anti-government activities.
With more than 70% of its people under 30, Nigeria boasts one of the youngest populations in the world. Many of these youths are battling in difficult economic times, looking for any chance to further their studies and improve their lot in life.We run the risk of making the nation’s youth unemployment, crime, and instability worse by nullifying their degrees and leaving them without any legal redress.
“In our opinion, the government ought to take a more focused approach to resolving the issues surrounding academic fraud. Instead of enacting a general ban, the government ought to examine each school individually and work with local educational organisations to make sure that requirements are fulfilled.
In order to lessen the effects of this decision, the government must also have conversations with the impacted students and offer alternatives and answers. We make a plea for the Federal Government to step in and defend the future and rights of Nigerian students.
Let’s not let a few extreme incidents overshadow the sincere attempts of thousands of Nigerian students. We have faith in the government’s discernment to reach a sensible, equitable, and peaceful solution that will secure stability and forward motion in our country.
Bottom Line
From the government’s perspective, the decision to nullify degrees obtained from these institutions is likely rooted in concerns over academic fraud, poor standards, and the need to curb the proliferation of substandard or “degree mill” universities that exploit students.
This stance aligns with broader efforts to improve the quality of education and protect Nigerian students from being victims of educational scams.
However, the blanket invalidation without a thorough investigation into the credibility of each institution seems overly punitive and risks unfairly impacting students who studied in legitimate programs.
