The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared degree certificates obtained from universities in Cotonou, Benin Republic, from 2017 onwards as invalid. This decision, aimed at addressing concerns over the credibility of some foreign-acquired qualifications, mandates the immediate dismissal of individuals employed in the public sector based on such certificates.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has already begun implementing the directive, reportedly dismissing affected staff members who presented degrees from these institutions during their employment processes.
The government’s move follows growing scrutiny of foreign degree mills and the influx of unverified academic credentials into Nigeria’s labor market. Officials have emphasized that this measure is part of a broader effort to uphold academic integrity and protect the nation’s workforce standards.
Affected individuals are encouraged to seek clarification from relevant authorities regarding the status of their qualifications and potential pathways to address the issue.
