Reps Clear Togo, Shift Full Focus to Benin Republic in Fake Degree Scandal
The Nigerian House of Representatives has officially absolved the Republic of Togo of involvement in the rampant academic fraud scandal rocking West Africa, intensifying its focus on the Republic of Benin as the epicenter of a growing fake degree syndicate.
During a resumed public hearing on Petition No. 445 of 2024, filed by Sovereign Legal Practitioners on behalf of concerned education stakeholders, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Bitrus Laori, confirmed that diplomatic investigations particularly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have exonerated Togo.
“Togo’s educational system has been cleared of any misconduct. The real issue lies with the Republic of Benin,” Laori stated emphatically.
The revelation comes after months of public outrage following a 2024 undercover investigation which uncovered a booming market for fake academic certificates in the Benin Republic. The exposé forced the federal government to launch sweeping probes into the authenticity of foreign degrees held by Nigerian graduates.
Following the sting operation, dozens of Nigerian civil servants were dismissed after it was discovered they obtained degrees from unaccredited private universities across Togo and Benin between 2017 and 2024. However, with Togo now cleared of wrongdoing, all investigative energy is now squarely aimed at Benin.
The Committee adjourned its hearing to July 10, 2025 citing the absence of legal counsel for the petitioners and the failure of the Federal Ministry of Education to attend. Lawmakers have now issued a fresh summons to the Ministry, demanding explanations for its controversial 2024 directive mandating pre-qualification exams for foreign degree holders a policy that continues to affect hundreds of Nigerian students and graduates.
“This policy has caused considerable confusion and hardship for Nigerians studying abroad. We must understand its intent, fairness, and legality,” Laori emphasized.
The upcoming hearing is expected to zero in on the activities of degree mills and the roles played by both Nigerian and Beninese actors in facilitating academic fraud. Lawmakers have vowed to dismantle the syndicates enabling this corruption, promising full accountability across all institutions involved.
As Nigeria tightens scrutiny on foreign-acquired degrees, especially from Benin Republic, this investigation signals a decisive move to protect the integrity of the nation’s education system and restore public trust.
