CITIZENS COMPASS – The Federal Government has begun the immediate dismissal of employees in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who were employed using degree certificates obtained from private universities in the Republics of Benin and Togo from 2017 onwards.
This decision, outlined in a directive from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Cabinet Affairs), follows the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of recommendations to address what it termed “degree certificates milling.”
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has already acted on the directive, issuing termination letters to affected staff holding the degree certificates of some of the institutions mentioned. One of these letters, signed by the NYSC Director of Human Resources Management, highlighted that ESAE University, Benin, is among the institutions implicated in the directive.
An excerpt from one termination letter reads:
“Your appointment as Admin Officer II with NYSC is hereby terminated with immediate effect. You are therefore to hand over all government property in your possession to the State Coordinator before leaving. Wishing you success in your future endeavors.”
The Federal Government’s move comes amid growing concerns over the legitimacy and standards of some foreign-acquired degree certificates. Observers have raised questions about the impact this directive will have on affected workers and the potential legal and social ramifications.
Further updates are expected as the policy continues to be enforced.
