The Federal Government has dismissed claims of a mass dismissal of civil servants holding degrees from universities in the Benin Republic and Togo. This follows public concern sparked by allegations from former Senator Shehu Sani, who criticized the purported action and called for alternative solutions.
Senator Sani’s Allegations
Senator Sani, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, alleged that thousands of workers with degrees from institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo had been sacked. He expressed concern for those affected, appealing to the government to create pathways for them to obtain recognized Nigerian qualifications through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
“Thousands of guys who graduated from Benin Republic universities, got jobs, and married with kids are the ones hardest hit with this mass sacking by the FG. I appeal to the government to reconsider the sacking by creating an opening for them to make up with a Nigerian degree,” he said.
Federal Civil Service Commission’s Response
The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has denied these allegations. In a statement released through Taiwo Hassan, Head of Press and Media Relations, the Commission clarified that no mass sack of workers had been recommended or carried out.
“The Commission holds the power to employ, transfer, dismiss, discipline, and promote. As of now, we have not dismissed anybody,” Hassan stated.
He assured the public that any disengagement from the civil service would not be conducted secretly, emphasizing the transparent nature of the Commission’s operations.
Concerns Over Fake Certificates
The controversy aligns with earlier concerns about the prevalence of fraudulent degrees from unaccredited universities in neighboring countries. A panel established by the former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, investigated this issue and reported that over 22,000 Nigerians obtained fake certificates from such institutions between 2019 and 2023.
While this revelation has raised alarms, the FCSC clarified that no official action had yet been taken regarding the reported cases.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The allegation has caused anxiety among civil servants with foreign degrees, as many fear for their job security. However, the FCSC’s denial has temporarily eased concerns, although the issue of degree mills remains unresolved.
Observers have called on the government to establish clear guidelines for validating foreign qualifications and to provide support for affected individuals, such as the option to upgrade their credentials through recognized institutions.
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