Nigeria has announced an expansion of its suspension of degree accreditation to include additional countries like Kenya and Uganda, following recent measures taken against Benin and Togo.

During an interview on Nigeria’s Channels Television channel, Education Minister Tahir Mamman disclosed the country’s intention to broaden the suspension beyond Benin and Togo.

Mamman stated, “We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, and even Niger, where such institutions have been set up.”

This move is a response to combat fraudulent qualifications originating from foreign degree mills, which came to light after an investigation by the Daily Nigerian newspaper.

The publication’s undercover investigation, conducted by reporter Umar Audu, exposed the expedited acquisition of a degree from a Benin university in less than two months, despite the program typically spanning four years.

Expressing stern disapproval, Mamman emphasized having “no sympathy” for individuals holding counterfeit certificates from foreign countries.

He asserted that such individuals are not merely victims but are “part of the criminal chain that should be arrested.”

Nigeria has launched a formal inquiry into the ministries and agencies responsible for accrediting academic qualifications obtained abroad.

Mamman highlighted that this measure aims to safeguard Nigerian employers and maintain the integrity of the country’s qualifications.

The decision to expand the suspension underscores Nigeria’s commitment to addressing fraudulent practices in the education sector and maintaining the credibility of academic qualifications within the country.