Degree certificate accreditation suspension: PR consultant wants FG to reconsider stand
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
A public relations consultant, Mr Aschor Babalola, on Wednesday appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.
Babalola made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Babalola condemned the alleged certificate racketeering, describing it as disturbing and detestable, but urged the federal government to end the suspension in the interest of genuine students.
”I am appealing to the government to kindly reconsider its stand on the matter in the interest of genuine Nigerian students, especially newly-graduated students whose future remains in the balance as a result of this pronouncement.
“We cannot for the sake of few bad eggs disrupt the future of other Nigerian citizens, nor should we deprive or restrict the freedom of choice of an average Nigerian student willing to genuinely study anywhere across the globe.
“This development has stalled the progress of more than 15,000 Nigerian students, who have genuinely got their bachelor’s degree in these neighbouring countries, either by reasons of affordable scholarship opportunities or a mere adventure to experience learning in a different clime,” Babalola, also a philanthropist and owner of OptimEyes Media, said.
Recall that the federal government had, through the Federal Ministry of Education, announced suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo with effect from Jan. 2.
It regretted that some Nigerians deployed nefarious means to get degrees with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they were not qualified.
The suspension came against the backdrop of an investigative report by a national daily entitled: “How Daily Nigerian Reporter Bagged Cotonou Varsity Degree in Six Weeks”.
According to the government, the suspension persists pending the outcome of an investigation involving the ministries of foreign affairs and education of Nigeria and the two countries, as well as the Department of State Security Service and the National Youths Service Corps.
Babalola, however, praised the federal government for efforts to clamp down on certificate racketeering.
“I must commend the efforts of the Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Education, under the leadership of the Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, for swift and decisive actions in a bid to clamp down on the irregularities.
“There is no denying the fact that this condemnable practice poses a threat to the fabric of our dear nation, Nigeria, and the Nigerian Government must ensure all those found wanting are made to face the full wrath of the law.
“I sincerely hope the committee set up to investigate this ugly development has concluded its task, considering the fact that the two-month ultimatum given to them by the minister has elapsed and concerned Nigerians are anxiously waiting for a considerable outcome,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
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