FG suspends accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

Sequel to a report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic in under two months, the Federal Government has suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from the Country and Togo. “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified,” the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a Tuesday statement. “The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).” The ministry is also calling on Nigerians to assist in providing information to help the committee as it seeks lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences. “FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets,” the statement added. “Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”

President Tinubu Suspends Halima Shehu, CEO of National Social Investment Programme Agency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended Halima Shehu from her roles as the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). The suspension was ordered with immediate effect, replacing Shehu from her prominent position overseeing the Conditional Cash Transfer Program. The Senate ratified Shehu’s nomination back on October 18, 2023, following her appointment by President Tinubu earlier that month. Shehu, recognized for her banking expertise and professional development background, played a pivotal role in digitalizing the Conditional Cash Transfer Program. With roots in Katsina State, Shehu’s educational journey included earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University and later obtaining a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the same institution. She honed her financial expertise during a decade-long banking career spanning several banks. Her venture into politics began in 2010, marked by key appointments in Katsina State governance and service as a presidential election observer in Cape Verde under the Economic Community of West African Countries in 2016.