FG speaks on sacking workers with Benin Republic, Togo varsity certificates

Federal Government has debunked reports that it has begun sacking workers with degrees from unaccredited universities in Benin Republic and Togo.

These rumours surfaced following comments from former Senator Shehu Sani, who claimed that many individuals who graduated from these institutions and are now employed have been affected by the alleged sackings.

Sani wrote on X, “Thousands of guys who graduated from the Benin Republic universities, got jobs and married with kids are the ones hardest hit with this mass sacking by the FG.

“I appeal to the government to reconsider the sacking by creating an opening for them to make up with a Nigerian degree through the open university system.”

However, a representative from the Federal Civil Service Commission confirmed that no such mass sacking are taking place.

The Commission clarified that it had not received any formal recommendations for such actions and assured that any future decisions would be based on official processes.

He said, “At our end, there is no disengagement for now. They have to push it to us, or maybe when they get to us, there’s another round of sitting to look at it.

“At times, they can invite those people involved. You know the procedures. So if they recommend that from where it’s coming from, we will consider it.

“The Commission holds the power to employ, transfer, dismiss, discipline, and promote. If you ask me if we are dismissing now, I will say no.

“We have not dismissed anybody, and this is based on what I know at this moment. Disengagement is not something hidden.”

Earlier this year, a government investigation revealed that over 22,000 Nigerians had obtained fake degrees from unrecognised universities in Benin and Togo.

The report revealed that many of these individuals bypassed mandatory one year NYSC scheme, making it hard to identify them.

Head of the panel, Prof. Jubril Aminu, while commenting on the outcome of the investigation said:

“Sadly, these people have used the fake certificates to apply and secure job opportunities in government and private organisations with the mindset that they schooled abroad, while people who studied day and night are out there looking for job opportunities.

“Even within the countries, Benin and Togo, these universities are not accredited to offer degree programs. I don’t know how Nigerians chose to go to unaccredited institutions abroad to ‘study’. Our investigations also indicated that many of the people never even attended the school physically.”