Some universities in the Republic of Benin, blacklisted by the Nigerian government, are allegedly partnering with private polytechnics in Nigeria to enable their graduates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), according to multiple investigative reports.
The reports suggest that graduates from these institutions obtain National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates from private polytechnics in Nigeria, which are then used to process NYSC mobilisation. Some intermediaries are said to be charging as much as ₦400,000 for the arrangement, described as a “special package”.
The allegations come months after the Nigerian government suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from over 45 universities in the Benin Republic and Togo. This action followed investigations that exposed “degree mills” issuing certificates in short timeframes, with some recipients already mobilised for NYSC.
Some graduates reportedly claim that their academic records were sent to Nigerian polytechnics for conversion to local certificates before being forwarded for NYSC registration.
However, Nigerian authorities have denied knowledge of the alleged scheme.
Carol Embu, Director of Press at the NYSC, said the Corps was unaware of any fraudulent mobilisation involving foreign institutions, adding that all foreign graduates are cleared by the Ministry of Education before participation.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Folashade Omoboriowo, also dismissed the claims, saying its digital verification system was designed to prevent such manipulation.
Similarly, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Council of Heads of Polytechnics said they had not received any formal reports but would act if credible evidence emerges.
Education observers have described the allegations as troubling, warning that if proven true, the practice could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s tertiary education system and the integrity of the NYSC scheme.
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