Education
22,500 Nigerians obtained fake degrees from Benin Republic, Togo – Minister
22,500 Nigerians obtained fake degrees from Benin Republic, Togo – Minister
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, revealed on Friday that more than 22,500 Nigerians acquired fake academic certificates from institutions in Benin Republic and Togo between 2019 and 2023.
Mamman highlighted that around 21,600 of these counterfeit degrees were obtained from unaccredited universities in Benin Republic, while an additional 1,105 were secured from similar institutions in Togo.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, marking his first year in office, the Minister noted that these figures were compiled from records provided by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other sources.
He suggested that the true number might be even higher, as some individuals bypassed the NYSC program and other avenues that would have exposed their fraudulent credentials.
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“Unfortunately, these fake certificates have been used to secure jobs in both government and private sectors, under the pretense of having studied abroad. Meanwhile, individuals who genuinely earned their degrees are struggling to find employment,” Prof. Mamman stated.
He further explained that even within Benin and Togo, these universities lack the necessary accreditation to offer degree programs. “It’s perplexing how some Nigerians opted to ‘study’ at these unaccredited institutions abroad. Our investigations also show that many never even attended these schools in person,” he added.
In response to this issue, the Minister announced that a circular is being prepared by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to identify and prosecute those involved.
Private sector employers are also urged to verify the legitimacy of foreign degrees held by their staff, particularly those obtained between 2019 and 2023, and report any suspicious cases to the Federal Ministry of Education for further action.
However, Prof. Mamman clarified that only five universities in Benin and three in Togo have the proper accreditation to offer degree programs, and graduates from these institutions will not be subject to punitive measures.
22,500 Nigerians obtained fake degrees from Benin Republic, Togo – Minister
Education
Lagos govt raises boarding fee to N100,000/term after parents have paid N35,000
Lagos govt raises boarding fee to N100,000/term after parents have paid N35,000
The Lagos State Government has increased boarding fees in all secondary schools across the state from N35,000 to N100,000 per term.
A letter addressed to all boarding school principals, signed by Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, read: “I have the directive of the Honourable Commissioner to inform all Public Boarding House schools in Lagos State that the State Government has approved the review of the Boarding fee payable in all Public Boarding House schools in Lagos State. The newly approved fee is N100,000 Only.”
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The letter, titled “Review of Boarding Fees in All Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State for 2024/2025 Session,” also stated that no additional fees should be collected by the schools and announced that the resumption date has been set for September 15, 2024.
“I am further directed to inform you that no additional fee of any form should be collected by the schools.
“Kindly note that the resumption date remains 15th September 2024.”
Lagos govt raises boarding fee to N100,000/term after parents have paid N35,000
Education
ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others
ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa Chapter in Ondo State, has condemned the sacking of five members of the union in some universities.
Dr Rotimi Olorunisola, ASUU Chairman, OAUSTECH chapter, disclosed to journalists on Wednesday in Okitipupa, that some lecturers were “illegally” sacked by the Governing Councils of Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU).
Olorunisola said that the actions of these institutions were not only a violation of the due process required for the termination of academic staff, but also an assault on the autonomy of the academic profession.
The don said that it was unacceptable that lecturers, who were dedicated to knowledge pursuit, research, and nation-building; should be treated with disdain by their institutions.
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He added that the unjust dismissals of the lecturers were clear attempt to undermine academic freedom and silence the voices of those who are working tirelessly to uphold the high standards of education in Nigeria.
According to him, the governing councils acted in direct contravention of established labour laws, university statutes and the principles of natural justice.
“ASUU will not stand idly by while our members are unlawfully victimised and their rights trampled upon.
“We categorically state that these sackings are illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross abuse of power.
“We demand the immediate reinstatement of all lecturers wrongfully dismissed, and we call on the Federal Government, state authorities, and all stakeholders in the education sector to intervene swiftly to correct this grave injustice,” he said
He said that ASUU would stand united in the fight for justice, and resolute in defending the rights and dignity of all academic staff in the country.
“Failure to rectify this situation will leave ASUU with no option but to escalate our actions in defence of our members’ rights.
“ASUU will not be intimidated or suppressed by illegitimate actions that disregard the rule of law and the collective agreements that govern our institutions,” Olorunisola added.
ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others
Education
RSIF opens scholarship opportunities for Engineering, Tech PhD students, researchers
RSIF opens scholarship opportunities for Engineering, Tech PhD students, researchers
PASET’s Regional Scholarship and Innovative Fund (Rsif) is offering a significant opportunity for African graduate students and researchers in Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries.
The Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), is looking to address the shortage of highly qualified specialists in applied sciences, engineering, and technology (ASET), in order to improve innovation capacities in SSA countries.
Scholarship Region reports that, “the PASET Regional Scholarship offers a fully funded study opportunity that covers tuition, research, travel and monthly allowance to cover living expenses such as accommodation and meals.”
The scholarship, as stated, seeks to help PhD students, postdoctoral scientists, and universities in SSA countries (such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Malawi, along with 41 other countries) to build training, research, and innovation environments.
About the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund
Rsif is a flagship program under PASET, thag supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA.
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The program, as reported, is funded by African governments, the World Bank, and the Government of Korea. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Eligibility Criteria
According to Rsif’s official site, applicants for the Rsif PhD Scholarship must:
- Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold a relevant master’s degree.
- Meet specific admission requirements of the Rsif AHU hosting the PhD program.
- Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- Enroll full-time in a PhD program at an Rsif AHU for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Do not hold another PhD scholarship.
- Commit to a 6-12 month ‘sandwich’ training at an international partner university, research institute, or private company.
- Work on research topics contributing to regional development in Africa.
It is noted that priority will be given to women and young academic faculty without a PhD.
Benefits and Duration
The scholarship covers
- university tuition,
- research costs,
- a monthly allowance for living expenses, return travel, visas, student permits, and annual medical and personal accident insurance.
- The PhD program duration is three to four years, including a 6-12 month ‘sandwich’ placement.
RSIF opens scholarship opportunities for Engineering, Tech PhD students, researchers
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