FG restates commitment to combatting certificate racketeering

The Federal Government, on Monday, reiterated its commitment to combatting certification fraud in educational institutions in its neighbouring countries to safeguard the reputation of Nigeria’s educational certificates at international levels.

It also highlighted specific measures being implemented to streamline the student scholarship process to ensure that deserving students receive the necessary support to pursue their studies.

The Minister of State for Education, Tanko Sununu, gave the assurance during a crucial engagement with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students Diaspora led by its President, Juwon Chris, a Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering student at RMIT University, Australia.

A statement by Liaison Officer, Diaspora Student Affairs, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Opeoluwa Ojekemi, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, indicated that Sununu while responding to the concerns raised by the students provided detailed explanations about the government’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges.

“The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is making efforts to combat certification fraud in educational institutions in its neighbouring countries to safeguard the reputation of Nigeria’s educational certificates at international levels.

“One of the primary concerns raised by the NANS Diaspora leadership was the challenge of securing and maintaining international scholarships.

“Many Nigerian students face significant obstacles in accessing scholarships which  is crucial for students’ education and future opportunities.”

He also frowned at the alarming prevalence of certification racketeering in neighbouring countries, particularly in the Benin Republic and Togo.

In his remarks, the Liaison Officer; Diaspora Student Affair; Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Ojekemi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining open and transparent communication channels with Nigerian students abroad and their representatives.

“Continuous dialogue is seen as essential to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian students in the diaspora and ensuring their academic and professional success.

“This meeting marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to support Nigerian students globally, reinforcing the government’s dedication to their well-being and future success”, he said.