By Milcah Tanimu

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Benin Republic has appealed for leniency from the government following the ban on the validation of degree certificates from both Benin and Togo. The ban was imposed in response to an undercover report revealing fraudulent practices, including participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the second time and obtaining a degree in less than two months from a Benin Republic institution.

Ugochukwu Favour, the NANS president in Benin Republic, expressed concern that approximately 15,000 Nigerian students in Benin would be adversely affected by the ban. He urged the government to consider those who had been legitimately admitted and emphasized the need to address the issue without punishing all students.

Favour disclosed that NANS in Benin Republic has formed a committee to investigate the matter, and the findings will play a crucial role in preventing such incidents in the future. The investigation aims to determine the extent and duration of the fraudulent practices.”