In an Instagram post on August 25, 2024, a well-known actor directly questioned the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, about the fate of honorary degrees awarded to Nigerian celebrities. He asked, “What Happens To ALL The ABSURD Doctorate Degrees Splashed On Nigerian Celebs Since FG Has Pronounced That Degrees Acquired From Benin Republic Since 2017 Are INVALID? 👀”
The actor’s question quickly sparked a lively discussion in the comments. This debate follows a recent announcement by the Federal Government revealing that more than 21,600 graduates are holding fake certificates from degree mills in Benin Republic, Togo, and other countries. Prof. Tahir Mamman made the announcement during a ministerial press briefing on his one-year achievements in the ministry in Abuja on August 23, 2024. He emphasized that the government is determined to eliminate fake degrees from both Nigerian and foreign universities.
“The federal government has directed the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to issue a circular to flush out anyone with fake certificates from these institutions,” the minister stated. He further clarified that only three universities in Togo and five in Benin Republic are officially approved and licensed to offer degree courses.
