NANS in Benin Republic assures validity of degrees amid investigation into degree mills

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The National Association of Nigerian Students in Benin Republic has offered reassurance to Nigerian students in the country regarding the ongoing investigation into degree mills.

The association’s President, Ikenna Favour, told Nigerian students to ignore fake news and affirmed the legitimacy of degrees earned from universities in Benin Republic.

The Federal Ministry of Education had recently suspended degree certificates from several African countries following an investigative report by Umar Audu of Daily Nigerian, which uncovered the operations of degree mills in Benin Republic, Togo, and other nations.

In a statement, the NANS Benin president urged students to remain calm as investigations continued, advising them to disregard misinformation online.

He emphasized that degrees obtained from institutions in Benin Republic are valid and urged students to prioritize their education amidst the situation.

NANS-RB is collaborating closely with the Nigerian Embassy in Benin, university registrars, management, lecturers, and stakeholders to support Nigerian students.

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“We understand your worries, concerns, and the destabilising situation it may have caused, but we assure you that your degrees obtained from your institutions here in Benin Republic are recognized, valid, and respected. “We urge and encourage you to remain focused and prioritise your education over any other thing, having self-determination, and not having anything to be a hindrance to your educational pursuits.

“NANS-RB is working effectively alongside, the Nigerian Embassy in Benin, the registrars and management of our various citadels of knowledge, lecturers and various stakeholders in Nigeria and in diaspora are all working collectively towards providing assistance and guidance to Nigerian students.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and keep you in touch with valid and positive updates concerning the suspension of accredited institutions.”

The association assured students of ongoing efforts to provide assistance and updates on the suspension of accredited institutions.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has formed a committee to address the issues raised in the investigative report and propose solutions.