The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) – West Africa Affairs, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the continued suspension of certificates issued by universities in Benin Republic and the Republic of Togo by the Federal Government.
Recall that in January, the federal government announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from tertiary institutions in Benin and Togo following an investigative report which exposed booming certificate racketeering syndicates in those countries.
However, a statement issued on Friday by Comrade Joshua Olakunle, the Director, NANS – West Africa Affairs, stated that the continued suspension has put the future of thousands of Nigerian youths studying in those countries in jeopardy.
Olakunle lamented that while some Nigerian universities have also been accused of certificate racketeering and other misconduct, the government has not taken similar action on them.
“In fact, some Nigerian universities are not accredited, and this has not led to a suspension of their certificates. We urge the government to address the issues in our own universities rather than targeting foreign institutions.
“Despite the odds, some institutions in Benin Republic and Togo are making reasonable efforts to develop their facilities. We commend the Benin National Government for its efforts to harmonize and sanitize the sub-sector through policies such as ‘shutdown any erring’ university, compulsory French Language studies, and accreditation of courses.
“However, we are concerned that the suspension of certificates will not address the root causes of the problem. Instead, we propose a collaborative approach to regulate and upgrade university education in the sub-region. This will strengthen regional cooperation and improve education standards,” he said.
Olakunle noted that Nigerian youths sought education in the neighboring countries due to the fact that the available tertiary institutions in the country are not enough to absorb admission seekers.
“It is ironic that Nigerian students are seeking education in neighbouring countries due to the absence of alternatives in Nigeria. Out of over two million youths seeking admission into Nigerian universities yearly, only 500,000 – 700,000 gain admission. This has led to a brain drain, with many students seeking education in Benin Republic and Togo.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a listening father, to consider the future of these young Nigerians and intervene in this matter. We request that the government works with ECOWAS countries to regulate and upgrade university education in the sub-region, rather than ostracizing graduates of Benin and Togo universities,” he said.
He added that many prominent Nigerians have studied in those countries and have proven that they could hold their heads high among their peers in the society.
“It is worth noting that many Nigerian celebrities have attended universities in Benin Republic and Togo and have gone on to achieve great success in their fields. Examples include Ayra Starr, who graduated from Les Cours Sonou University with a BA in Political and International Relations; Kaffy, who was awarded an honorary doctorate degree for her contributions to the African dance industry; Michael Ezuruonye, Mike; J. Martins; Peter Okoye aka Mr. P; and Pete Edochie, among many others. This shows that universities in Benin Republic and Togo have the potential to produce talented and successful individuals who can contribute positively to Nigeria’s development,” he said.
He expressed the willingness of the association to work with the government, NYSC, Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders to identify and address any issues with substandard universities.