As the Apex Body representing Nigerian students both at home and in Diaspora, we commend the Federal Government and the “Daily Nigerian” reporter, Mr. Umar Audu, as this uncovering is a reflection of true investigative and thorough journalism.
The incident is completely detrimental to education in general, as it also speaks volumes about laziness and mockery of hard work for educational excellence.
Regarding the suspension, we equally urge a swift and thorough investigation.
We would also like to inform the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) about the cases of our genuine students who are legitimately following the due process, guidelines, and stipulated learning timeframes and procedures to obtain their degrees.
The suspension would be inhumane and unjust to these students who are in their 200Level and above, and it may hinder the pursuit of their academic dreams at such an advanced level due to the actions of a few miscreants. Not to mention the sacrifices, finances, and time invested.
Subsequently, we call on all parties involved in the investigation process to carry out a comprehensive and swift exercise.
Furthermore, educational institutions should implement stricter verification processes to ensure the authenticity of certificates. This could include cross-checking with issuing authorities, conducting thorough background checks, and implementing secure systems for certificate storage and issuance.
Additionally, there should be regular audits and inspections to detect any irregularities or fraudulent activities. It’s also important to promote a culture of integrity and ethical behavior within the education system, emphasizing the importance of hard work and discouraging any form of cheating or dishonesty. By implementing these and other measures, we can work towards preventing certificate scandals and upholding the credibility of education.
Signed:
Rioborue Deniran, GCNS
President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
02/01/2024.