Education
Revealed: How Nigerian reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in six weeks, participated in Nigeria’s NYSC programme
Revealed: How Nigerian reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in six weeks, participated in Nigeria’s NYSC programme
Cotonou is not only famous for the thriving second-hand car business popularly called ‘tokunbo’; it also serves as a good place to go for those in need of express degrees.
The story of obtaining questionable degree certificates from universities in Benin Republic and Togo is not new. What is new, however, is how these certificates can now be obtained with ease.
The requirements are O-level certificates – fake or genuine – and the amount to pay, which varies, depending on the course, urgency and class of degree.
In less than a month or two, one can be a ‘graduate’ from any of the mushroom universities dotted across the two West African countries.
The beneficiaries of these substandard certificates, who are either unintelligent or lazy, compete for jobs and other opportunities with hard-working graduates who undergo academic rigours for at least four years to obtain their degrees.
To get first-hand information on how these certificate racketeers operate, a DAILY NIGERIAN reporter, Umar Audu, went undercover and investigated the booming business.
Obtaining a Cotonou degree
In December 2022, the reporter reached out to a racketeering syndicate that specialises in selling the infamous degree certificates from the neighbouring countries to willing buyers at an ‘affordable rate’.
The agent however told our reporter the option of “studying” for a year or month, but he opted for the month option.
“That’s not a problem; we can help. If the money is ready, we can help you out. We have done it for a lot of people. If you make the payment now, the results will be ready next month,” he said.
The reporter’s choice of mass communication from any “university” in Cotonou was premised on the fact he could easily scale through the screening as he had knowledge of the course.
The agent gave the reporter the breakdown of the amount to pay, which included tuition fees, an evaluation letter, a resident permit, immigration stamps at the border post and transportation.
On December 27, 2022, our reporter made the payment and was issued a payment receipt.
True to the agent’s words, the certificate and transcript of Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, Cotonou, Benin Republic, were delivered to his office on February 17, 2023.
The transcript indicated that this reporter commenced the institution in 2018 and graduated on September 5, 2022.
Unfortunately, there was a slight mistake on the transcript, so it had to be transported back to Cotonou for correction, and one month later, the corrected version was received on March 29.
Prior to that, this reporter was never issued an admission letter or knew about the school the agent was processing for him.
All the agent said was, “don’t worry, everything will be sorted out.”
Like miracle, the reporter “finished” the four-year degree programme in less than two months without application, registration, studying, writing exams or crossing Nigerian border.
But despite having the certificate and transcript in his possession, the reporter had fears they could be fake, until he discovered a scan code placed on the left bottom of the transcript. And when the reporter scanned through, it directed him to the website of ESGT University, indicating that he is a genuine product of the institution.
On its website, ESGT, established in 2009, said, “It is an institution built upon a vision that enables individuals from a mix of different nationalities and cultures to get the best in undergraduate and postgraduate international education.”.
The institution is fully accredited by both the governments of the Benin Republic and Nigeria. It offers over 30 courses in management sciences, social sciences, applied and natural sciences as well as technology.
It was gathered that the racketeering agents in Nigeria work hand-in-hand with the top management of the university campus in Cotonou, whose registrar and English section coordinator are Nigerians.
“The evaluation letter doesn’t come from us. It comes from the Ministry of Education. They are the ones causing the delay; they want more bribes, but we are still negotiating with them. But please be a little bit patient with us; it’s a general problem,” he said in response our reporter’s complaint over evaluation delay.
After payment of additional money through the agent, the evaluation letter was eventually released. The letter is a mandatory requirement for NYSC mobilisation.
In separate letters dated May 25 and 26, addressed to the director general of the National Youth Service Scheme, NYSC, the Federal Ministry of Education confirmed that the ESGT is on the ministry’s list of accredited institutions.
The letter, which was signed on behalf of the minister by the deputy director of Evaluation and Accreditation, Koli Salihu-Mongodiba, also cleared 51 ESGT graduates to participate in the NYSC, “having met all the requirements set by the ministry”.
“The institution is on the ministry’s list of accredited institutions in Benin, and the bachelor degrees awarded to the students as indicated on the attached list are equivalent to bachelor degrees awarded by any Nigerian university in a similar field of study,” the letter read in part.
Agents of these mushroom universities are said to connive with some corrupt officials at the Federal Ministry of Education to get evaluation letters for a fee ranging from N40,000 to N70,000 per “graduate”.
Double NYSC participation
When the NYSC opened its portal for 2023 Batch B registration in June, this reporter was afraid that the system would reject him outright as he had genuinely participated in the scheme in the past.
But soon after he began the screening, his fears was allayed as the NYSC seemingly lacked the digital tool to flag attempts to participate in the scheme twice or more.
The only initial obstacle he had was when he input the email and phone number he used during his genuine NYSC registration, a message popped up saying, “This email and phone number have already been registered.” Our reporter then immediately switched to his alternative phone number and email.
He therefore created a new profile, uploaded all the required documents, including fingerprints.
The next stage was physical verification of documents. Usually, there are two stages of verification — physical and online evaluation.
On July 3, while registration was going on smoothly for students who obtained certificates from less questionable foreign institutions, those from Benin Republic and Togo were subjected to a more thorough screening exercise.
At that stage, NYSC officials rejected our reporter’s evidence of Cotonou residency, but after months of back-and-forth, he was eventually linked with an immigration official who facilitated the stamping of his passport to show evidence of multiple entry and exit from Seme Border between 2018 and 2022.
Although the reporter never crossed any Nigerian borders, the officer was able to get his passport stamped by both Nigerian and Beninois immigration agents.
After the tedious process, the reporter was eventually cleared for both physical and online evaluations, and on November 22, posted to Cross Rivers for one year service.
My experience at Obubra
I arrived at the orientation camp in Obubra, a predominantly rice farming community, at exactly 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, 26, 2023, for the 21-day orientation course.
On the posting letter every prospective Corp member was expected to arrive the camp from Friday November 24 to Sunday November 26, 2023.
I scheduled my journey for Saturday, and there was no direct flight going to Calabar on that day.
So I had to fly to Enugu, from where I traveled by road for 250 kilometres before arriving at Obubra.
As expected, we were subjected to security checks at the gate by operatives consisting of Nigeria Police, Nigeria Military, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
After successful screening at the gate, we were asked to take a certain direction where we saw some NYSC officials who asked us to write down our names, and immediately gave us room allocation.
The registration spot for foreign graduates is different from that of home-trained graduates.
The female official I met requested I bring out all the documents I used in applying for NYSC, which I obliged. I was subjected to another round of written and oral interviews. I answered all the questions diligently, and I was cleared and given a tag.
The tags contain my state code and the platoon number.
I moved to Platoon 9, where I was deployed. My credentials were documented and I was given a complete NYSC kit.
While accepting the kits with mixed reactions, I reminisced about the experience I went through at NYSC orientation camp in Ede in 2018.
It was a similar process, except that in 2018 I spent four years to study in a Nigerian university before being allowed to participate in the scheme.
I hurriedly dashed to the hostel to change my mufti and put on the approved dress.
Due to the regimented nature of the camp activities, the camp director and state coordinator, at every opportunity, would appeal to corps members with underlying illnesses to apply for exit if they can’t cope with the stress.
I took the advantage of that offer and applied for exit after spending eight days in Obubra Camp.
-Daily Nigerian with minimum editing by NewsTrends
Education
Two ex-VCs, JAMB registrar to attend Prof. Ibraheem UNILAG inaugural lecture Wed
Two ex-VCs, JAMB registrar to attend Prof. Ibraheem UNILAG historic inaugural lecture Wed
- History beckons as Mass Comm alumnus delivers inaugural lecture Wed
History will be made this week Wednesday December 18, 2024 at University of Lagos when an alumnus of the university’s Mass Communication Department, Ismail Adegboyega Ibrahim, professor of journalism and communication studies, will deliver inaugural lecture as a lecturer of the department.
Ibraheem, a 1990 graduate of the university, returned to the institution in 2011 as a lecturer.
It is the first time a former student of the department will be delivering an inaugural lecture 58 years after its establishment.
Ibraheem, director of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects at the UNILAG, will speak on “Casino Journalism and the End of History.”
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, will chair the event, according to a statement from the institution.
Two former vice-chancellors of the university, Professor Rahamon Bello and Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, are expected to grace the lecture along with the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, among others.
The lecture is scheduled for 4pm at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG, Akoka.
Members of the University Community and general public are invited to join the lecture physically or virtually via Zoom Meeting ID:862 1255 2361.
Education
Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students
Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students
The Republic of Austria is offering an opportunity for international postgraduate students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers through the Ernst Mach Scholarship 2025.
Managed by OeAD-GmbH, Austria’s agency for education, this scholarship aims to support talented individuals in advancing their academic and research careers in Austria.
Details of the scholarship program
According to OeAD, the Ernst Mach Scholarship is open to students and researchers from various academic disciplines. This includes areas such as;
- Natural sciences
- Technical sciences
- Human medicine
- Health Sciences
- Agricultural sciences
- Social sciences
- Humanities, and arts.
The scholarship provides funding for semester or one-year grants, with research grants lasting from one to nine months, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.
Benefits of the Ernst Mach scholarship
The scholarship offers numerous benefits to successful applicants.
- Recipients will receive a monthly stipend of €1,300 for the duration of their stay in Austria.
- Accommodation assistance is available, with affordable housing options ranging from €330 to €800 per month.
- OeAD will also provide administrative support to help applicants find suitable housing.
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Grant holders will receive guidance on obtaining health insurance accepted in Austria, with a cost ranging from €55 to €200 per month. The scholarship also waives tuition fees at public universities, further reducing the financial burden on participants.
A travel subsidy of up to €1,200 is available for applicants from eligible developing countries, with travel invoices required for reimbursement. Moreover, recipients will have the opportunity to build valuable connections with top researchers and institutions in Austria, which can significantly enhance their academic and professional networks.
Eligibility criteria for applicants
The Ernst Mach Scholarship is open to early-career academics who are passionate about advancing their research. To be eligible, applicants must be;
- Postgraduate students pursuing a PhD outside Austria or postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers looking to conduct research in Austria.
- Additionally, postdocs employed at universities outside Austria are also eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be 35 years old or younger (born on or after October 1st, 1989) and should not have lived, studied, or worked in Austria for more than six months prior to applying.
- Proficiency in English or German is required to ensure effective communication during the research process.
How to apply for the Ernst Mach Scholarship
To apply for the Ernst Mach Scholarship 2025, interested individuals must visit the official OeAD-GmbH website.
The application deadline is February 1st, 2025. Applicants should ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and submit all required documents before the deadline.
Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students
Education
LASU workers declare indefinite strike over salary
LASU workers declare indefinite strike over salary
The joint action committee of the academic and non-academic staff of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on Monday, declared an indefinite strike.
Their demands from the Lagos state government – their employer – include an increase in salary and addressing salary disparities between LASU and other universities in the state.
It also includes payment of 20 percent salary increase as promised by the governor during his election campaign.
Others include payment of 20 per cent and 35 per cent agreement reached between the federal government and university workers.
The unions involved include the LASU chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Also involved are the LASU Chapters of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
Justice Obafemi, the chairman, NASU-LASU, said that the genesis of the industrial action was the promised 20 per cent salary increase made by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos during his electioneering campaign.
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Mr Obafemi said that after the election, the governor only paid the civil servants at Alausa Secretariat, neglecting the staff of the tertiary institutions.
“They used us, and in spite of our active contributions and efforts we made during the election, they have not fulfilled their promise.
“There is also a disparity in payment of salaries between LASU and the other two state-owned tertiary institutions.
“Even before Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), and Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) transmuted to universities, their staff were earning more than LASU staff,” the NASU chairman said.
Mr Obafemi added that when the administration came on board as new leaders, the unions wrote to the state government to look into the disparities.
“Also, the 20 per cent and 35 per cent agreement reached between the federal government and university workers.
“We set up a committee to look into it and sent all our requests to the government to harmonise salaries of all the academic institutions in the state.
“We had several meetings with the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education and Ministry of Establishment and Training.
“Also, the LASU management tried to step into the matter. The vice-chancellor has pleaded several times, but we cannot continue to sacrifice the welfare of our union members,” Mr Obafemi said.
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Ibrahim Bakare, chairman of ASUU-LASU, said that the unions were more interested in peace, adding that the action was an agitation for staff welfare.
Mr Bakare said that all unions in the institution decided to come together and collaborate to get to where they are today.
“We are being civil and not disrespecting the Senate of the university. We will remain calm for the government to address our demands and call us for a meeting,” he said.
Seyi Lawal, chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU-LASU, said that it had discussed and given the government several ultimatums to address and meet its demands.
Mr Lawal said that the government had been playing games with them, so the unions decided to take action by calling for an indefinite strike.
“We have not even gotten to the stage of payment of minimum wage; we want the government to address these demands first,” he said.
Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, coordinator, centre for information and public relations, LASU, said in a statement that the institution’s Senate had declared a Christmas and New Year break for the students and staff.
She said that the break started today till Jan. 5, 2025, adding that all university activities, including lectures and socio-academic events, would resume on Jan. 6, 2025.
“All students residing in the university’s hostels across all campuses (Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe and Badagry) are required to vacate the hostels within 48 hours.
“The university management appreciates the support and dedication of staff and students throughout the year and wishes everyone a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” Mr Thomas-Onashile said.
LASU workers declare indefinite strike over salary
(NAN)
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