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Federal Civil Servants Fear Job Loss Over Degrees from Benin and Togo Job Stability for Benin Graduates
Job Stability for Benin Graduates
Panic has reportedly spread among some federal civil servants after claims surfaced that the government has begun scrutinizing employees with degrees obtained from unrecognized universities in Benin Republic and Togo.
According to insider reports, the government’s alleged move to weed out certificates deemed invalid has sparked concerns about job security among affected workers. While no official statement has confirmed the extent of this action, the fear of mass sackings looms large, especially for those whose qualifications were obtained from institutions not accredited by Nigeria’s Ministry of Education or relevant international bodies.
Implications of the Crackdown
The reports suggest that the government aims to uphold standards and ensure the validity of academic credentials within the civil service. However, critics argue that such actions could disproportionately impact individuals who obtained their degrees in good faith from institutions they believed to be legitimate.
The development has also raised questions about the transparency of the process and whether due diligence is being conducted to avoid wrongful termination of employment.
Workers Call for Clarity
Civil servants potentially affected by this crackdown are calling for the government to provide clear guidelines and verification processes to determine the legitimacy of degrees. They emphasize the need for fairness and accountability, urging authorities to consider the circumstances under which such qualifications were acquired.
Shehu Sani Raises Alarm Over Alleged Dismissal of Civil Servants
Tensions escalated following a post shared on the verified X account (formerly Twitter) of former Senator Shehu Sani. The Senator condemned the reported dismissal of the affected civil servants, sparking widespread debate and concern.
In his statement, Sani criticized the alleged action, which has drawn significant attention across social media platforms. His remarks have added to the growing conversation about workers’ rights and the treatment of civil servants in the current socio-political climate.
This development underscores the need for transparency and accountability in addressing employment issues within the public sector. The former Senator’s post has not only shed light on the situation but also ignited calls for further investigation and resolution.
Senator Sani Appeals to FG Over Alleged Sacking of Civil Servants
Former Senator Shehu Sani has raised concerns over reports of mass sackings of civil servants with degrees from Benin Republic universities. In a post on his verified X account (formerly Twitter), Senator Sani wrote:
“Thousands of individuals who graduated from Benin Republic universities, secured jobs, and built families are the hardest hit by this mass sacking by the Federal Government. I urge the government to reconsider by creating an opportunity for them to obtain Nigerian degrees through the open university system.”
Civil Service Commission Denies Allegations of Mass Dismissals
In response to these claims, the Federal Civil Service Commission refuted the allegations of widespread dismissals. Taiwo Hassan, Head of Press and Media Relations for the Commission, addressed the issue in a statement to Vanguard.
“At this time, there is no ongoing disengagement in the civil service,” Hassan clarified. “Any such decision would first require formal recommendations and undergo due processes, including sessions where those affected might be invited for clarification.
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Commission Emphasizes Transparent Procedures
Hassan further elaborated on the Commission’s statutory responsibilities, stating that the authority to hire, transfer, dismiss, discipline, or promote employees lies solely with the Civil Service Commission.
“If you’re asking whether there’s any current dismissal process, the answer is no,” Hassan affirmed. “No worker has been dismissed to my knowledge, and disengagements are never concealed.”
Call for Dialogue and Solutions
As discussions around this issue continue, the Commission reiterated its commitment to fairness and due process. Meanwhile, Senator Sani’s call for an open university pathway to help affected individuals meet Nigerian standards has sparked further conversation about addressing the challenges faced by graduates from foreign institutions.
Panel Uncovers Over 22,000 Fake Degrees Obtained by Nigerians from Neighboring Countries
Earlier this year, a special panel was established by the former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, to probe the operations of alleged degree mills in neighboring African countries.
Prof. Jubril Aminu Leads Investigation into Unaccredited Institutions
The panel, chaired by Prof. Jubril Aminu, conducted an in-depth investigation into the activities of unrecognized universities, particularly in Benin and Togo. The findings were alarming, revealing that more than 22,000 fake certificates had been acquired by Nigerians from these institutions between 2019 and 2023.
Degree Mills Exploit Cross-Border Education Loopholes
The report highlighted the growing issue of unaccredited universities exploiting cross-border educational opportunities to issue fraudulent degrees. These institutions have attracted thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians seeking higher education credentials, often unaware of the unrecognized status of the schools.
Urgent Call for Action Against Fake Certifications
The discovery underscores the need for stricter regulations and international cooperation to combat degree mills. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector are calling for increased scrutiny of foreign-acquired degrees to ensure they meet the standards required for employment and professional recognition in the country.
This revelation has sparked nationwide debate on the integrity of qualifications and the measures needed to restore credibility to the academic and professional sectors.
Mamman Highlights Alarming Findings on Fake Degrees from Foreign Institutions
Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has expressed deep concern over the report revealing over 22,000 fake certificates obtained by Nigerians from unaccredited universities in Benin and Togo. He suggested the actual number might be even higher due to untracked individuals.
Fake Degrees Exploit Loopholes in Oversight
Commenting on the findings, Mamman stated:
“The numbers could be higher than reported, as some individuals avoided mandatory programs like the NYSC and other systems where their data could have been flagged.”
He revealed that individuals with these fraudulent credentials had secured jobs in both government and private sectors, often under the guise of foreign education, while legitimate graduates continued to struggle for employment.
Unaccredited Universities Raise Questions
Mamman further criticized the decision of Nigerians to enroll in unaccredited institutions abroad, saying:
“Even in Benin and Togo, these universities are not recognized to offer degree programs. It’s baffling how some Nigerians opt for such institutions, often without physically attending the schools.”
Government Steps Up Efforts to Address the Issue
To tackle the problem, Mamman disclosed that a circular had been prepared by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. This directive will assist in identifying individuals with fake certificates and initiating legal actions against them.
Read More About the Investigation
For more details on the panel’s findings and the government’s response, visit Punch Newspaper.
