The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government regarding the suspension of certificates issued by universities in the Benin Republic and Togo. This call was made in a statement signed by NANS West Africa Director, Joshua Olakunle, on Friday.
According to the statement, the suspension decision has adversely affected thousands of Nigerian students who have invested their time, resources, and aspirations in pursuing quality education abroad. NANS highlighted the significant impact on students’ futures and urged the government to focus on addressing issues within Nigerian universities rather than targeting foreign institutions.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) – West Africa Affairs, is deeply concerned about the recent suspension of certificates issued by universities in Benin Republic and Togo. This decision affects thousands of Nigerian students who have invested their time, resources, and dreams in pursuing quality education,” the statement read.
NANS pointed out that some Nigerian universities have also faced accusations of certificate racketeering and other misconducts, yet no similar government action has been taken against them. “We acknowledge that some Nigerian universities have also been accused of certificate racketeering and other misconducts, yet the government has not taken similar action. In fact, some Nigerian universities are not accredited, and this has not led to a suspension of their certificates. We urge the government to address the issues in our own universities rather than targeting foreign institutions,” NANS stated.
The student association commended efforts by institutions in Benin Republic and Togo to improve their facilities and the Benin National Government’s policies aimed at harmonizing and sanitizing the education sector. However, they expressed concern that suspending certificates would not solve the underlying issues. Instead, NANS proposed a collaborative approach to regulate and upgrade university education in the region.
“It is ironic that Nigerian students are seeking education in neighboring countries due to the absence of alternatives in Nigeria. Out of over two million youths seeking admission into Nigerian universities yearly, only 500,000 – 700,000 gain admission. This has led to a brain drain, with many students seeking education in Benin Republic and Togo,” NANS emphasized.
The statement also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the future of these young Nigerians and intervene in the matter. NANS suggested that the government work with ECOWAS countries to regulate and upgrade university education in the sub-region rather than ostracizing graduates from Benin and Togo universities.
“It is worth noting that many Nigerian celebrities have attended universities in Benin Republic and Togo and have gone on to achieve great success in their fields. Examples include Ayra Starr, who graduated from Les Cours Sonou University with a BA in Political and International Relations; Kaffy, who was awarded an honorary doctorate degree for her contributions to the African dance industry; Michael Ezuruonye, Mike; J. Martins; Peter Okoye aka Mr. P; and Pete Edochie, among many others. This shows that universities in Benin Republic and Togo have the potential to produce talented and successful individuals who can contribute positively to Nigeria’s development,” NANS highlighted.
NANS expressed its willingness to collaborate with the government, NYSC, Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders to identify and address issues with substandard universities. “We will serve as whistleblowers to ensure that any school not meeting standards is held accountable,” the statement concluded.