The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone, has made an impassioned plea to the Federal Government to reverse its decision to invalidate degree certificates obtained from some universities in Benin and Togo.
The appeal was made in a statement issued by the zonal leadership, comprising Comrade Alao John, Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Sanni Sulaimon Olamide, Secretary General, and Comrade Bamigboye Peter Oluwadamilola, Public Relations Officer.
The body said it felt compelled to speak out on the issue due to the significant number of Nigerian students affected.
Persecondnews reports that FG announced on August 26 that only eight universities in Togo and Benin Republic have been accredited to award degrees to Nigerian students.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made the announcement during an appearance on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics program on Sunday evening.
The minister reaffirmed that FG’s decision to annul approximately 22,700 degrees obtained by Nigerians from certain “unauthorized” universities in Togo and Benin Republic is final and irreversible.
Mamman defended the decision to annul the certificates, stating that it was not excessive, as the possession of degrees from such “unauthorized” institutions by Nigerians tarnishes the country’s reputation.
NAN said: “We are compelled to address the Nigerian Federal Government regarding the recent decision to invalidate degrees obtained from universities in Benin Republic and Togo from 2017 till date.
“This action, which affects over 22,000 Nigerian students, has triggered widespread anxiety and uncertainty, threatening the peace and stability of our society.
“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, who has declared that no Nigerian student will be forced to drop out of school, it is distressing to note that thousands of graduates who invested heavily in their education abroad have been rendered uncertain about their future.
“This decision not only undermines their academic achievements but also places them in a precarious position, potentially exposing them to anti-government elements eager to exploit their frustration.
“We acknowledge the government’s concern over the rise of substandard educational institutions and the need to curb academic racketeering.
“However, the outright ban on degrees from Benin Republic and Togo without due diligence, particularly when these certificates were once validated, is both unfair and discriminatory.
“We urge the government to reconsider this decision, as it risks driving talented young Nigerians into the arms of unrest, insurrections, and anti-government activities.
‘Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with over 70% of our population under the age of 30.
Many of these young people are struggling in a harsh economic environment, seeking any opportunity for education and betterment.
“By invalidating their degrees and leaving them without recourse, we risk deepening youth unemployment, crime, and insecurity in the country. It is our belief that the government should implement a more targeted approach in addressing the concerns of academic fraud.
“Rather than a blanket ban, the authorities should review each institution on a case-by-case basis, collaborating with regional educational bodies to ensure standards are met.
“The government must also engage in dialogue with affected students, providing alternatives and solutions to mitigate the impact of this decision. We appeal for the Federal Government’s intervention to ensure that the rights and future of Nigerian students are protected.
“Let us not allow isolated cases to cast a shadow on the legitimate efforts of thousands of Nigerian students. We trust in the government’s wisdom to make a fair, just, and practical decision that will ensure peace and progress in our nation.”
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