“While opinions may differ regarding this decision, I take issue with the Federal Government’s approach of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.” The NYSC, responsible for authenticating graduates’ certificates in Nigeria, had approved these certificates, allowing the graduates to participate in the compulsory youth service scheme. Now, the same government is doing an about-face, telling those it previously endorsed as graduates that their certificates are fake and that any benefits they received will be withdrawn. To me, this is not only hypocritical but also reflects poorly on the ministry’s leadership—first, for failing to prevent this situation, and second, for offering such a poorly considered solution.”
The recent move by the Nigerian Federal Government to invalidate over 22,000 certificates allegedly obtained from unrecognized institutions in Benin Republic and Togo has sparked significant debate over the past week.
Acting on recommendations from the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with other ministries, the government approved the dismissal of workers in both the public and private sectors who used fake certificates from these countries to secure employment.
These certificates were reportedly obtained between 2019 and 2023, a period long enough for a bachelor’s degree to be completed in some programs.
This decision follows an investigation by Daily Nigerian in December 2023, which exposed how a reporter was able to acquire a degree certificate in less than two months. The reporter obtained a degree from the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and then participated in the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, intended for graduates of recognized tertiary institutions.
“But by and large, we can’t have in our midst people who procure fake certificates and compete with our students who graduated from our universities and polytechnics through their sweat. Some spent four, five, six, or more years, only to compete with people who procure certificates right here without going anywhere,” said Minister of Education, Mamman Tahir.
While opinions may differ regarding this decision, I take issue with the Federal Government’s approach of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.” The NYSC, responsible for authenticating graduates’ certificates in Nigeria, had approved these certificates, allowing the graduates to participate in the compulsory youth service scheme. Now, the same government is doing an about-face, telling those it previously endorsed as graduates that their certificates are fake and that any benefits they received will be withdrawn. To me, this is not only hypocritical but also reflects poorly on the ministry’s leadership—first, for failing to prevent this situation, and second, for offering such a poorly considered solution.
The blanket dismissal of individuals holding these certificates, without a thorough investigation into each case runs the risks of punishing many who may have unknowingly enrolled in these institutions. Some students, misled by unscrupulous agents or unaware of the institutions’ lack of recognition, may have genuinely believed they were pursuing valid educational opportunities. For them, this decision not only invalidates years of hard work but also jeopardizes their livelihoods and future prospects.
The government must also consider the socio-economic impact on these individuals, many of whom may have invested substantial resources into their education. A more compassionate approach would involve providing a pathway for affected individuals to regularize their qualifications, such as offering opportunities for re-certification through recognized institutions.
Moving forward, the government needs to address a broader issue within Nigeria’s educational system—the lack of adequate information and guidance for students seeking higher education abroad. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and increasing public awareness about recognized institutions and valid degree programs are essential steps. Proactive measures could prevent such issues from arising in the first place, reducing the need for punitive actions after the fact.
This situation also raises questions about the capacity of Nigerian universities to accommodate the educational aspirations of all its citizens. The high number of Nigerians seeking education in neighboring countries may partly reflect a lack of confidence in the local education system or the inability to gain admission into overcrowded local institutions. The government must address these underlying issues, ensuring that the nation’s universities are adequately funded, well-equipped, and capable of meeting the needs of all students.
Finally, while safeguarding the credibility of Nigerian qualifications is essential, the government must balance this effort with fairness and justice. The use of fake certificates is a serious issue that undermines the integrity of the country’s workforce. However, any action taken to address this problem must be carefully calibrated to avoid causing undue harm to innocent individuals and to ensure that the punishment fits the offense.
Invalidating these certificates en masse may also have unintended consequences for Nigeria’s international relations, particularly with neighboring countries like Benin Republic and Togo. Diplomatic engagement with these countries to ensure mutual recognition of educational standards and the establishment of joint oversight mechanisms to forestall cases of ‘fake certificates’ could offer a more effective long-term solution.
In essence, a blanket dismissal of these graduates will only add more problems to the one we partly created and now seek to brazenly wash our hands off. Moving forward requires a decision grounded in discretion and fairness.
James 3:17. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
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Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace, and Security Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace, and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.
He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.
Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace, and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.
With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.
Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.
For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:
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Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com
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