A PhD certificate purportedly issued by ESPAM Formation University in Cotonou, Benin Republic, has recently gone viral on social media, raising serious questions about its authenticity.
The certificate, seen by EduCeleb.com on Sunday is awarded to an individual named Ajah Ogbu Alexander for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Security and Criminology.
This has sparked widespread debate and concern, particularly in light of the ongoing saga involving fake certificates from universities in Benin and Togo.
Flaws and Red Flags
Several flaws in the document have fueled suspicions regarding its validity:
- Use of “First Class Honours”: One of the most glaring issues is the use of the term “First Class Honours” in a PhD certificate. Traditionally, the classification of degrees such as “First Class” is associated with undergraduate qualifications, not doctoral degrees. The inclusion of this phrase on a PhD certificate is highly unusual and suggests a misunderstanding or misuse of academic terminologies.
- Poor Language and Formatting: The language used in the certificate contains several awkward phrases that are not typically found in official academic documents. For instance, the phrase “With all rights honour and privileges appertaining thereto” seems to be a misrepresentation of the standard legal phrasing used in legitimate certificates. Furthermore, the formatting and layout of the document do not align with the professionalism expected of a university-level certificate, raising further doubts about its authenticity.
- Overuse of Titles and Formalities: The document appears to overemphasize titles and formalities, such as repeatedly stating “Professor Martial LIPEB, Vice Chancellor,” which may indicate an attempt to bolster the credibility of the certificate artificially.
- Absence of Verifiable Security Features: Authentic certificates typically contain various security features such as watermarks, holograms, or unique serial numbers to prevent forgery. The certificate in question appears to lack any such verifiable features, making it susceptible to duplication or forgery.
Context of the Ongoing Fake Certificate Scandal
This certificate surfaces amidst growing concerns about the proliferation of fake academic credentials from institutions in Benin and Togo.
Numerous individuals of Nigerian origin have been found in possession of fraudulent degrees from universities in these countries, prompting the recently announced sack of over 22,000 public servants who earned such certificates in both nations since 2017.
An undercover journalist’s efforts first brought light to the Nigerian government’s decision suspending all accreditation of certificates originating from the countries.
In the report late 2023, the Daily Nigerian journalist narrated how he easily obtained an undergraduate certificate in six weeks and even got mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), despite never ever stepping foot on the Beninese university.
The report exposed the flaws in the academic certificate verification process in Nigeria as well as the possibility of one being mobilised for the NYSC more than once.
The emergence of this particular certificate adds to the mounting evidence of a broader issue involving the sale of fake degrees, which undermine the credibility of genuine academic qualifications.
Potential Consequences
If proven to be fake, this certificate could have severe implications for both the individual involved and the institution that allegedly issued it.
For the individual, possessing a fraudulent academic qualification could lead to legal consequences, including criminal charges for forgery.
Additionally, the credibility of ESPAM Formation University, if involved in such practices, could be irreparably damaged, leading to potential sanctions from educational authorities and loss of accreditation.
EduCeleb.com cannot immediately verify if such a programme is accredited by educational authorities in Benin Republic.
In light of these concerns, there is a growing call for a thorough investigation into the authenticity of this certificate and others like it.
Educational authorities in both Benin and Nigeria are urged to collaborate in addressing the issue of fake degrees, which threaten the integrity of the region’s educational systems.
Validity doubtful
The viral circulation of Ajah Ogbu Alexander’s PhD certificate from ESPAM Formation University has cast a spotlight on the ongoing problem of fake academic credentials in West Africa.
The numerous flaws and inconsistencies identified in the document suggest that it may not be a valid certificate, further highlighting the need for stringent measures to curb the issuance of fraudulent degrees.
As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that this case will serve as a catalyst for greater oversight and regulation of higher education institutions in the region.
Confirming from the university
Efforts are ongoing to possibly confirm the veracity of the certificate originating from the ESPAM Formation University also known as Ecole Supierieure Panafricaine De Management Applique, nearly midnight on Sunday. This report would be updated as new information emerges from the representatives of the institution.
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