"Nigeria Bans Universities from Five Countries Over Fraudulent Practices: Can Liberia Follow Suit?"

Lagos Nigeria: International News Outlets has reported that Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating fraudulent university degrees, with a recent ban on degrees obtained from universities in Benin, Togo, Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana. The move is part of a larger effort to maintain the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system and protect employers from potential fraudulent practices.

According to Dr. Chris Maiyaki, of Nigeria acting executive secretary of the Nigerian National Universities Commission, the government has “zero tolerance” for fake degrees. The ban was triggered by an undercover report exposing the ease of obtaining a degree from a university in Benin.

Nigerian authorities are investigating state agencies and ministries responsible for accrediting academic qualifications obtained abroad. The federal government has directed the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to issue a circular to flush out individuals with fake certificates.

Experts praise Nigeria’s efforts, citing the need for proper oversight and verification of certificates. Ghana, which has faced similar issues, has contained the problem through vigorous monitoring and regular publication of accredited institutions.

Dr. Richmond Acheampong, a communication lecturer at the Christian Service University in Ghana, urged Nigerian authorities to learn from its neighbors and do more to win the fight against fraudulent degrees, including punishing those caught and launching a major awareness campaign. 

The Nigeria University Commission in a statement said that the federal government had not licensed some of the universities, and some had already been shut down. In 2021, government listed 58 fake universities on its website.

The list of blacklisted institutions included universities claiming to be from the UK, including Columbus University, Tiu International University, Pebbles University, and London External Studies.

 Recent developments in the Nigerian educational sector have highlighted the issue of fake universities. Experts suggest that Liberia faces similar challenges, with several institutions in the country falsely claiming affiliations with prestigious universities from the USA, London, and other locations.

 The responsibility now lies with the Liberian government to address this issue effectively by taking decisive action against these fraudulent institutions operating in Liberia.