The Federal Government’s ban handed down to 18 foreign universities operating in Nigeria and suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo has drawn the reaction of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS.
The decision follows an investigative journalism carried out by a reporter with Daily Nigerian, who posed as an admission seeker, and without the required qualifications got admitted to a Beninese University, Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, Cotonou, Benin Republic where he graduated within six weeks with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication certificate from the said university issued to him.
He also went on to participate in the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps.
Weighing in on the matter, NANS in a statement by its Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, said the suspension would affect genuine students of Nigerian descent studying in those countries.
It therefore, appealed to the federal government to reconsider its decision.
The statement in part, “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, the Benin Republic and Togo host a significant number of Nigerian students seeking quality education.”
