One year after the Federal Government blacklisted degrees from universities in Togo and the Republic of Benin, thousands of Nigerian students continue to pursue higher education in the two countries.
Reports indicate that at least 15,000 Nigerians are currently enrolled, despite the risk that their certificates may not be recognised at home.
The government had earlier dismissed civil servants with such qualifications, insisting the institutions failed to meet academic standards. However, students cite limited admission opportunities, incessant strikes, and overcrowded facilities in Nigerian universities as primary reasons for seeking alternatives abroad.
Ease of admission, lower costs, and uninterrupted academic calendars were also highlighted as attractions.
“I applied to Nigerian universities but was denied admission despite a good JAMB score. Frustration pushed me to look outside Nigeria,” said Ihuoma, a Mass Communication student in Porto-Novo.
Other students, however, fear that years of study may be wasted if the certificates remain unrecognised. They have called on the government to differentiate between accredited institutions and “degree mills” rather than imposing a blanket ban.
