Julius Okorie
Nollywood actor, Yemi Solade is in wonderland following Federal Government invalidation of makeshift degrees acquired by Nigerians from neighboring Togo and Benin Republic.
Solade a veteran of the Nollywood considered one of the biggest movie industries in the world, wondered what will become of all the degrees bestowed on Nigerian Celebrities by Universities from the two neighboring countries.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSolade no doubt has no business with wait and get degrees or what some Nigerians now call ‘Instant Degree While you wait”, having graduated with a degree in dramatic arts from O.A.U. and Master’s degree in Public Administration from ABU Zaria.
He also holds a degree in sociology and anthropology from Leicester University, U.K., and a degree in international relations from O.A.U.
Solade who began his acting career at 17 during Festival of Arts and Culture otherwise called Festac 77,took to his Instagram to pose the rhetoric question that is begging for answers, describing the those degrees as Absurd.
‘’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? #fakedegreescam #fake #cotonou #beninrepublic🇧🇯 #university #invaliddegrees”
Over 22,789 degrees from Benin Republic and Togo has been invalidated and directive given for those parading them in the civil service sent packing
Recall that the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, recently disclosed that 22,789 Nigerians were parading fake degree certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo between 2019 and 2023.
“We have had to take some major decisions here (at the ministry of education). Some staff members who were affected faced disciplinary measures.
That whole unit had to undergo a review. We cannot have in our midst people who procured fake certificates competing with students who graduated from universities and polytechnics through their sweat, some spending four, five, six or more years.
They cannot be going out to compete with people who procured certificates right here in Nigeria without going anywhere. Through the data the NYSC has, about 21,684 students are parading fake certificates from Benin Republic obtained between 2019 to 2023, Togo about 1,105.
They simply attended schools that are not recognised to offer degree programmes by those countries.” the Minister said
The new findings many say brings to the fore the rot in the system where even public officers occupying sensitive positions parade fake certificate obtained from fake institutions and even those signed sealed and delivered from the popular Oluwole Market.
New Definition for Working Smart and Working Hard
Most holders of these fake degrees claim to be “working smart” acquiring in two weeks what their counterparts who went through the rigours of burning the mid night candles to acquire after four years or more of hard work depending on the course.
Ironically these glorified junior students say their counterparts who go through the rigours to acquire their own degrees are “working hard”, thus giving a new definition to working smart and working hard and furter fueling the believe in some quarters that education in the country has become a scam.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
