A non-governmental organisation, Education for Accelerated Development (EDAD), has called on the Nigerian government to reverse its recent decision to invalidate certificates from universities in Benin Republic and Togo, a move the group argues undermines efforts to foster diplomatic relations within the West African sub-region.
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In a statement issued on Monday, Dr Livinus Mbaonu, Lead Consultant for EDAD, criticised the government for its sweeping action, describing it as “hasty and poorly thought out.” He pointed out that branding nearly 50 universities across both countries as fake because of the malpractices of a few institutions is not only unfair but could also damage the spirit of regional integration.

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This decision comes after the Federal Ministry of Education declared that only three universities in Togo and five in Benin Republic are accredited to run degree programmes. However, EDAD highlighted that more than 50 institutions had previously been listed as accredited on the ministry’s own website, raising concerns about the sudden withdrawal of recognition for these universities.
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In its statement, EDAD stressed, “We find the decision of the Federal Government to withdraw recognition of certificates from universities in Benin Republic and Togo worrisome and disturbing. This does not build the spirit of regional integration.”

The NGO expressed concern about the psychological and economic impact on those whose certificates are now deemed invalid, warning that thousands of graduates who have spent the last four years studying could lose their jobs, affecting not only their mental health but also the well-being of their dependents. EDAD further cautioned that such sweeping generalisations about these institutions could lead to retaliatory actions from Benin Republic and Togo, where many Nigerian students also study.

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While acknowledging the government’s interest in eradicating fake certificates, the group insisted that not all universities in the two countries – Benin and Togo – are complicit in academic infractions, and lumping them together as fraudulent is an injustice to students who have worked hard to earn their degrees.
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EDAD proposed that instead of invalidating certificates, the government should conduct aptitude tests for those already employed in Nigeria’s public service to prove their academic competence.

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The group also criticised the inclusion of private universities in the blanket ban, pointing out that many of these institutions are recognised by UNESCO. EDAD speculated that vested interests from Nigeria’s private educational sector might be pushing the government’s agenda, further urging the authorities to reconsider the decision in the interest of fostering solid relations with Nigeria’s neighbours.

“The decision to invalidate these degrees is counterproductive and jeopardises the cooperation we need to build strong ties with our West African neighbours. The government must reverse this action if we are serious about creating a unified regional education system,” EDAD stated.
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