Nigerian Government Initiates Dismissals of Employees with Unaccredited Degrees
The Nigerian government has started dismissing employees holding degrees from unaccredited institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo since 2017. This action, confirmed by Segun Imohiosen, aims to rid the civil service of fraudulent degrees, triggered by investigative reports revealing the ease of securing dubious qualifications.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the dismissal of employees holding degrees from unaccredited private universities in the Benin Republic and Togo. This action affects staff who graduated from these institutions from the year 2017 onwards. Segun Imohiosen, the spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirmed this measure aimed at cleansing the civil service of individuals with dubious certifications.
In a previous announcement made in August, the government clarified that only eight institutions were accredited to confer degrees on Nigerians in Togo and Benin Republic. This decision stemmed from an investigative report that highlighted the ease with which individuals could obtain degrees under questionable circumstances. Following this revelation, the government prohibited accreditation and evaluation of degrees from these countries while establishing an investigative committee to combat the activities of degree mill operators.
Former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, disclosed that approximately 22,500 Nigerians procured fraudulent degrees from the Benin Republic and Togo, which were subsequently annulled. Recent updates indicate that several ministries, departments, and agencies, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have commenced the implementation of this directive, with confirmed dismissals already made. Caroline Embu, NYSC Director of Information, stated that five staff members were affected by the SGF’s directive.
The Nigerian government’s crackdown on workers holding degrees from unaccredited institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo is part of a broader initiative to enhance the integrity of its civil service. This response was catalyzed by investigative reports that uncovered the alarming ease of obtaining degrees from these institutions, revealing systemic issues related to credential verification within Nigerian public service. The authenticity of educational qualifications has become a significant concern, prompting the establishment of stricter guidelines and oversight to eliminate fraudulent certifications. Moreover, the scandal involving the National Youth Service Corps, in which individuals allegedly utilized quickly obtained degrees to gain entry, has intensified scrutiny over degree types accepted by government sectors. The government’s ongoing efforts aim not only to restore public confidence but also to ensure that educational credentials genuinely reflect the qualifications of civil service personnel.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the integrity of its civil service by terminating employees with degrees from unrecognized institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo. This decisive move follows extensive investigations into a network of fraudulent degree issuance. By taking such measures, the government aims to instill greater confidence in the qualifications of its workers and enhance the overall standards within public service.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
