Scholars Dismiss Education Minister's Claim About Fake Certificates From Universities In The Republic Of Benin, Togo

An education consultant and president of Nigerian Lecturers in the Republic of Benin, Gabriel Kona, has revealed that the recent announcement by the Nigerian Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, regarding the invalidation of degrees obtained from universities in the Republics of Benin and Togo, which has caused significant concern among students, parents, and educational institutions, is false and misleading, as it does not represent the true picture of these universities or the certificates they issue.

The minister's declaration came after a report from a Nigerian investigative journalist shared the news of the existence of a racketeering network facilitating the acquisition of certificates from universities in the Benin Republic. This report raised concerns about the validity of these certificates and led to a broader inquiry by the Nigerian government.

Premised on this, the Nigerian education minister stated that only five universities in Benin and three in Togo are accredited to award degrees and that degrees obtained from other institutions in these countries are invalid, throwing a lot of past and present students in turmoil, thus threatening their academic and vocational pursuit.

In a press release released by the association, a thorough investigation and contact with the site and office of the ministry of education in Benin and Togo republics into the validity of these claims have revealed significant inaccuracies in the minister's statement.

"The Ministry of Higher Education in the Republic of Benin has officially published a list of 90 accredited institutions authorized to award degrees, and this is the link... https://enseignementsuperieur.gouv.bj/actualite/show/ACT-rzmG4X2a-870FE0A, to show.

This list includes a wide range of private and public universities that are fully recognized and accredited by the Beninese government. The claim that only five universities in Benin are accredited is therefore incorrect and misleading," the statement read in part.

According to the release, the Republic of Togo has accredited several universities, contrary to the minister's statement that only three are recognized. The misinformation provided by the Nigerian Minister of Education has caused unnecessary panic and distress among students and parents, many of whom have invested significant resources in their education abroad.

Further investigation and direct communication with the Ministry of Higher Education in Benin have confirmed that the universities listed in the Nigerian minister's statement are indeed accredited, but they are not the only institutions recognized by the Beninese government. The comprehensive list provided by the Beninese authorities clearly includes a wide range of institutions, including several private universities that have been unjustly discredited by the Nigerian government's statement.

The Beninese Ministry of Education has expressed concern over the misinformation and emphasized that all accredited institutions in Benin are recognized and authorized to award degrees. The ministry also highlighted the importance of recognizing the sovereignty of neighboring countries and respecting their accreditation processes.

The erroneous statement by the Nigerian Minister of Education has had a profound impact on Nigerian students studying in Benin and Togo. These students who have worked hard to obtain their degrees now face the risk of having their qualifications invalidated, which could have severe consequences for their future careers.

The Nigerian government’s decision to invalidate these degrees based on inaccurate information undermines the educational achievements of thousands of students and raises questions about the integrity of the investigation conducted by the Nigerian authorities.

The association, however, urged the Nigerian government to revise its stance on this matter, taking into consideration the accurate information provided by the Beninese and Togolese authorities. The future of Nigerian students who have studied diligently in these countries should not be jeopardized by a decision based on misinformation. The Nigerian government must ensure that its actions are based on verified facts and that the rights of its citizens to pursue education in accredited institutions abroad are upheld.

Support Fed Govt In Creating Opportunity For Youth—Kayrom Lee Charges Nigerians

Chief Executive Officer of Kayrom Lee Group of Companies, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, has urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the government in creating more opportunities for the youths in the society by investing in them to develop their various skills.

The Federal Ministry of Education/IDEA Project Innovation Grant Fund-backed program, which was targeted at youth development in collaboration with Vergold Nigeria Limited, in conjunction with Cadlinks System, where over 700 youths were trained in various innovation development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills, Ideas Project digital skills, flagged off Digital Skills Internship Programme for Graduates of Skill up Digital Skills Training and Business Pitching in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday.

Speaking at the epoch making program, Amb Ayinde said the youth in the country needs the help of all to develop their skills, which can put their minds off crime and unrest in the society, and this can not be done alone by the government but with the assistance of members of the society.

Ambassador Romoke Ayinde delivering her keynote address

"From what we can see here today, it shows that we have excellent youth with great innovative skills in this country, and to develop these skills into potentiality, we cannot depend only on the government.

"Well-meaning individuals must contribute their quotas to the development of the youth by investing in them, and from what we have seen here today, it would be a viable investment," Amb Ayinde said.

In a keynote address, the National Coordinator, IDEAS Project, Blessing Ogwu, who was represented by the Innovation Grant Fund, IGF Consultant from the Agency, Ndem Ndiyo, said the initiative was to equip Nigerian youths with digital knowledge that would enable them to participate in socio-economic and technological innovation processes for national development.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chief Executive Officer of the approved training firm, Vergold Nigeria Limited, Adejumoke Ipadeola, said the trainees, including persons with disabilities, participated in software development and product design, after which they obtained relevant certification.

One of the leaders of the pitching groups that showcased their application at the flag-off, Reda Ayinde, commended the federal government and the organizer for putting up the program because it increased the participants awareness' of innovative technology and their experience, which will enable them to contribute to the development of the country.

Reda Ayinde delivering his presentation at the event 

"I commended the organizer for this great opportunity to learn and showcase what we have been able to acquire here. Our experience here in digital skills would enable them to contribute meaningfully to the technological innovations in the country," Reda Ayinde, who is the team leader of the Alpha Team, said.Dignitaries at the event included the former rector, the Polytechnic Ibadan, Professor Kazeem Adebiyi, an APC stalwart in Oyo State, Ope Salami, security experts among others.

Some of the guests at the event

Professor Ishaq Omotosho, who represent Senator Sarafadeen Alli at the event

10th Anniversary: Happy People Magazine To Honour Kayrom Lee, Hassan Giwas, Other Prominent Nigerians

In the spirit of recognizing their efforts in love for humanity and developing the society, Happy People Magazine will decorate some prominent Nigerians with Award of Excellence to mark the tenth year anniversarity .

The event, which its arrangement has reached the top level, will host on August 24, 2024 at The Space Lounge, Opposite Dikat Building MKO Abiola way, Ring Road Ibadan by 4pm.

The organizer and Publisher of the magazine, Oludotun Ajibola, said that the honour is to appreciate the people, who have contributed in one way or the other to the growth and development of the people in their individual capacity.

“This is our 10th year anniversary; we want to use the occasion to appreciate God and the people who have been the pillars of support.

“We also want to use the event to acknowledge the efforts of some personalities, who have done well in their individual capacity to help the society, particularly the youth.

“It is our belief that the recognition will spur them to do more, to give more to the society by bringing more youths out of joblessness.

“It is a Dinner and Award Night by a youth oriented, events and entertainment magazine, Happy People. it is a worthwhile celebration because it is an avenue to recount our blessings in the last 10 years and restrategize ahead of next challenges especially in the aspect of our pet project, Fight Against Child Abuse.

“Some of the personalities we are recognizing at the event include lawmakers, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, businessmen and artisans who are using their position, experience, wealth and reputation to help the people and develop more youths.

“They include Arc (Dr.) Hassan Olawale Giwa, Hon. Yinka Omikunle, Hon. Oluwafemi Fowokanmi, Hon. Abiodun Babalola, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde and Alhaji Yakub Adio Hammed.

"Others are Prince Adekanmi Adeyemo, Alhaji Babatunde Saheed popularly (Mr. Sport), Engr. Azeez Babatunde Abdullahi, Mr. Oluwole Oni, Success 105.3FM and Club Space Lounge Ibadan.

"This, we believe, will spur them to do more for the society and help to attract more wealthy people to imbibe the culture of giving back to the people and society.”

Prophet Beelzebub’s Animus & The Oyo Project

High Chief Rasheed Ladoja with Governor Seyi Makinde

There is a Prophet Beelzebub crisscrossing social media platforms in Oyo State with a cataclysmic prediction. The prophet, who is apparently the megaphone of some political elements in the state, has been on overdrive since the break out of the local government autonomy brouhaha trying to gain relevance in the state by disparaging Governor Seyi Makinde.

In the warped imagination of this prophet and his sponsors, the way up for them politically is to try and pull down the governor who they see as the albatross to their political significance. The prophet, who has already recruited some simple-minded disciples, does not see any good thing in the horizon for the state. Instead what his Ouija board has revealed to him is the imminence of a massive wind that would blow and cause serious damage to the state government. When he consulted his crystal ball for divination, the feedback was that a storm would blow through the state that would discomfit the governor.

The aim of these fellows is clear: Distract the governor with a view to making him do less of what had endeared him to the people by drawing him away from governance into politicking. But they underrated the man they are dealing with. Makinde knows enough to realize that what these folks want is attention that would result in distraction. So, he has resolved to totally ignore them.

For the information of Prophet Beelzebub and his company, Makinde didn’t get to where he is by a night flight, he worked his way up. He built a multinational business from the scratch. He is laser-focused. He has enough steel in him to stave off distractions.

So, instead of paying attention to the doomsayers, Makinde has focused on the Oyo project. He has been busy building bridges and strengthening governance.

Governor Makinde, who is observing his annual leave, paid a visit to a former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. There have been rumours of a cold war between the duo. But the visit of the governor thawed the ice and put the rumour mongers out of job. So, those who have been fanning the embers of discord between the two leaders can look for another engagement.

On Governor Makinde’s instruction, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Oyo State Acting Governor, inaugurated the governing board of the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority headed by Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd) yesterday, with the mandate to coordinate and complement the implementation of the provisions of Oyo State Laws and Regulations relating to health and environmental standards, asset management/maintenance and road traffic safety and maintenance, among other functions.

So, Governor Makinde is busy discharging his responsibility as the number one citizen of Oyo State. He has completely ignored the cynics and concentrated on his vision of birthing a peaceful, prosperous and orderly state.

So, Prophet Beelzebub and Company, don’t get too excited about the coming of winds and storms. You can take this to the bank: If there is a wind, Makinde will ride over it. If there is a storm, Makinde will weather it because he has the backing of the people.

Prophet Beelzebub, let’s take a retreat into history…

Back in the days when Germany was divided, a huge wall separated East and West Berlin.

One day, some people in East Berlin took a truck load of garbage and dumped it on the West Berlin side.

The people of West Berlin could have done the same thing, but they didn’t. Instead they took a truck load of canned goods, bread, milk and other provisions, and neatly stacked it on the East Berlin side.

On top of this stack they placed the sign: Each gives what he has.

Prophet Beelzebub and Company, keep throwing your stones since that is all you have, Makinde will build with them.

Keep throwing your lemons, Makinde will make lemonade with them.

Keep throwing your insults, Makinde will turn them into results.

Keep throwing your bile, Makinde will turn them into bills of progress.

Each person gives what he has; no one can give what he lacks.

Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju is the Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State’s Governor ‘Seyi Makinde