*Asks Nigerian gotlvt to reconsider action
*Benin Republic education has stricter policy than Nigeria’s – Investigation
By KEMI KASUMU
Many legitimate, duly registered Nigerian students in approved Republic of Benin universities have completed one, two, or three years of study, while others have successfully graduated and are eagerly awaiting the approval of their evaluation lists to participate in the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) program.
The unguarded public announcement by Nigerian government placing blanket suspension on degrees from universities in Republuc of Benin and Republic of Togo has been described as impossible.
National Union of Nigerian Students (NANS), who made this description, has asked the Federal Government in the country to reassess the suspension placed on the accreditation and evaluation of the degree certificates from the duo of neighbouring countries and gave its reasons.
The students body said the blanket suspension has affected numerous students who were duly registered in approved universities to study in the two francophone West African countries.
The DEFENDER reports that although Nigeria claims to be giant of Africa, governments in especially Republic of Benin and Togo have better strict education policy compliance and monitoring than it does as their education system is of global standard.
Our findings in Cotonou reveals that although government encourages more private-public participation and investment in university education, it has an establishment approval and courses accreditation mechanism that places its degrees second to none but at par to with others globally in terms of standard – as its education system has stricter policy than in Nigeria.
Republic of Benin, in further ensuring this quality based global standard, stops at no time to let the world know which universities under its system has approval with accredited courses and which has guided choice of universities in the neighbouring country for Nigerian admission seekers, who are deprived by difficult and sometimes corruption-based admission process in some Nigerian universities despite reforms effort of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Tuesday, suspended degree certificates from the two francophone West African countries, citing a media report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Republic of Benin in six weeks.
In a statement by NANS Senate President, Akinteye Afeez, the students’ body said the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of academic qualifications was commendable but urged the Nigerian authorities to “carefully consider” the impact of the decision on legitimate students who have pursued their education in these countries.
NANS noted that many of the students have completed one, two, or three years of study, while others have successfully graduated and are eagerly awaiting the approval of their evaluation lists to participate in the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) program.
The body added that these students now find themselves in a state of uncertainty, facing potential delays in their academic and professional pursuits.
“We believe there is a need for reassessment. While the reported corruption is undoubtedly a cause for concern, it is crucial to distinguish between those involved in fraudulent activities and the vast majority of students who have pursued their education genuinely,” the statement partly read.
“Furthermore, Benin Republic and Togo host a significant number of Nigerian students seeking quality education. A blanket suspension can strain diplomatic and educational relations, impacting the opportunities available to Nigerian students in these neighbouring countries.
“A reconsideration of the suspension would alleviate the stress and uncertainties these students currently face.”
According to NANS, the Federal Government should reverse the suspension, while maintaining a rigorous and transparent evaluation process.
