The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone, has called on the federal government to reconsider its recent decision to invalidate degree certificates obtained from higher institutions in the Republic of Benin and Togo.
In a statement signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Alao John, Secretary General, Comrade Sanni Sulaimon Olamide, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Bamigboye Peter Oluwadamilola, NANS expressed concern over the impact of this decision on thousands of Nigerian students.
“We are compelled to address the Nigerian Federal Government regarding the recent decision to invalidate degrees obtained from universities in Benin Republic and Togo from 2017 till date. This action, which affects over 22,000 Nigerian students, has triggered widespread anxiety and uncertainty, threatening the peace and stability of our society,” the statement read.
NANS highlighted the contradiction between this decision and President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which emphasizes that no Nigerian student should be forced to drop out of school. “Thousands of graduates who invested heavily in their education abroad have been rendered uncertain about their future,” the statement noted, adding that this could potentially expose them to anti-government influences due to their frustration.
While acknowledging the government’s concerns over the rise of substandard educational institutions and the need to curb academic fraud, NANS criticized the blanket ban on degrees from these countries as “unfair and discriminatory.” The association urged the government to adopt a more targeted approach by reviewing institutions on a case-by-case basis rather than issuing a blanket invalidation of certificates.
“Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with over 70% of our population under the age of 30. Many of these young people are struggling in a harsh economic environment, seeking any opportunity for education and betterment. By invalidating their degrees and leaving them without recourse, we risk deepening youth unemployment, crime, and insecurity in the country,” NANS warned.
The association called for dialogue between the government and affected students to find alternative solutions, arguing that the current decision undermines legitimate educational efforts and risks escalating youth unrest. “We appeal for the Federal Government’s intervention to ensure that the rights and future of Nigerian students are protected,” the statement concluded, urging the government to make a decision that promotes peace and progress in the country.
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