IHERIS University says Nigeria’s foreign degree reforms will stop denigration of Benin, Togo universities

*Backs FG but calls for speedy investigation

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

As questions continue to trail the suspension of degrees from neighbouring Republics of Benin and Togo by Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the only country in the world that known so far to require participation in NYSC scheme for successful graduate to be qualified for corporate employment, management of IHERIS University Togo has announced its support for the suspension.

Nigeria-based multi-lingual globalised online newspaper, The DEFENDER, had reported earlier that the Nigeria’s Federal Government suspended degree certificates from the two Francophone countries following report by an undercover reporter of Daily Nigerian newspaper.

In a statement issued in Lome, the capital of Gnassingbe Eyadema-led Republic of Togo, signed by the IHERIS University’s Registrar, Dr. Adamu Muhammad Wakili, and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Friday, the Nigeria’s decision was said to be necessary for restoration of confidence among stakeholders.

This, the Registrar said, was because universities in Togo and Benin are constantly denigrated courtesy of the activities of some individuals who are bent on rubbishing the integrity of others by engaging in nefarious activities, most especially certificate racketeering.

The most recent occurrence, which necessitated this release was made public after an undercover reporter got a degree certificate from a Benin university in six weeks via a certificate racketeering agent, which the Togolese University frowned at.

“We frown at this ugly occurrence and we support any measure taken by the Ministry of Education, Nigeria, to checkmate the excesses of these unscrupulous individuals who are bent on destroying the reputation of universities in Togo.

“Our institution of learning is built on the platform of integrity and we are a reflection of the core values of the French Education System and the vision of the proprietor.

“Our facilities complement the theoretical foundations of our students and our academic and nonacademic staffers are qualified,” said Wakili.

Read the statement by Registrar of IHERIS University Togo below:

RE: SUSPENSION OF EVALUATION AND ACCREDITATION OF DEGREE CERTIFICATES FROM BENIN AND TOGO REPUBLICS

The management of IHERIS University, Togo, is not unaware of the reactions trailing the news about the suspension of accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo by the federal government of Nigeria.

The decision was necessary for the restoration of confidence among stakeholders because universities in Togo and Benin are constantly denigrated courtesy of the activities of some individuals who are bent on rubbishing the integrity of others by engaging in nefarious activities, most especially certificate racketeering.

The most recent occurrence, which necessitated this release was made public after an undercover reporter got a degree certificate from a university in Benin in six weeks via a certificate racketeering agent.

We frown at this ugly occurrence and we support any measure taken by the Ministry of Education, Nigeria, to checkmate the excesses of these unscrupulous individuals who are bent on destroying the reputation of universities in Benin Republic and beyond, which by extension made our country (Togo) to become a victim of circumstance.

Our institution of learning is built on the platform of integrity and we are a reflection of the core values of the French Education System and the vision of the proprietor. Our facilities complement the theoretical foundations of our students and our academic and nonacademic staffers are qualified.

The exploits of our university are numerous; over the years we have focused on training students who can break barriers and set outstanding records. With our international affiliations and alliances, we have created a pathway to success for our students by teaching them skills needed to thrive, while also encouraging them to be creative. Our programmes are recognised by the World Educational Services (WES), Conseil Africain Et Malgache De L’enseignement Superieur (CAMES). This makes the pursuance of postgraduate degree by our students in any part of the world a walk in the park.

We use this medium to appeal to our students and their sponsors not to fret, but should see this as an opportunity to sanitise the educational system of the affected countries.

In addition to this, the pronouncement by the Ministry of Education does not affect the regular academic programme of the university. The suspension is a temporary measure put in place to enable seamless investigation of the allegations levied against universities in Benin and Togo. as an institution, we have agree to support the investigation panel to identify the black sheep in the system.

IHERIS University, Togo, is committed to raising worthy and competent students across different disciplines and we are highly compliant to the rules guiding university operations in Togo and Nigeria.

We are one of the fastest growing private universities in West Africa and have attracted scholarships and grants.