Akeem Salami,Doyin Adeleye &Promise Ezekiel

Amid growing concerns over increasing fake degree certificates among Nigerian graduates, scholars have warned against the negative impact on the country’s labour force and overall development.

Recall that the former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, had  revealed that around 21,600 Nigerians obtained certificates from unaccredited universities in the Benin Republic, with an additional 1,105 qualifications coming from unaccredited institutions in Togo.

In seperate chats with some experts, they warned that the rise in unprofessional graduates threatens to deteriorate the competence of the Nigerian labour force, aggravating inefficiency in the country.

In an interview with The Hope, Prof. Bayo Fasunwon, a lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, suggested that the individuals have the legal option to sue the awarding institutions or seek admission in recognized and accredited schools.

On the implications for the individuals with fake certificates, the don noted that graduates with fake certificates, now face the harsh reality of wasted time and resources.

Prof. Fasunwon, particularly called for urgent government action, stressing the need for more public awareness about the dangers of unaccredited institutions.

He also advocated for better funding of Nigerian universities and the establishment of policies to prevent strikes, which often push students to seek alternatives abroad.

Fasunwon said, “university education should be affordable and accessible to the common man,” adding that creating sustainable jobs for top graduates would provide a long-term solution to the problem.

Stakeholders are also urged for a comprehensive review of the education sector to ensure that future graduates are better equipped to contribute to the country’s development.

On his part, a public affairs analyst and Head of Mass Communication Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr  Gbenga Abimbola, lamented that the issue of fake degrees in Nigeria is not new,.

He added that government and other relevant stakeholders should not treat it with kids gloves to restore sanity into the system.

 Dr. Abimbola stated that, “there was issue of fake degrees  in 1999, the first Speaker of  the House of Representatives was removed from office based on the Toronto degree that was found to be false.”

He also noted that the implication of fake degrees is that people with the fake certificates will be claiming what they are not and it’s going to be a disaster for the country when those people occupy higher positions  in the country.

The don called for appropriate sanctions against those found guilty of the criminal activities, just as he charged government to strengthen the Nigerian education system for better results.