The Federal Government has denied claims of mass dismissals of civil servants holding degrees from universities in Benin Republic and Togo.
This comes amid growing anxiety among workers following reports that the government is cracking down on employees with certificates from unrecognized foreign institutions.
Over the weekend, rumors spread that thousands of civil servants who graduated from universities in the two countries had been sacked.
Adding to the concern, former Senator Shehu Sani made a social media post condemning the alleged dismissals.
In his post, Sani stated, “Thousands of guys who graduated from the Benin Republic universities, got jobs and married with kids are the ones hardest hit with this mass sacking by the FG. I appeal to the government to reconsider the sacking by creating an opening for them to make up with a Nigerian degree through the open university system.”
The post sparked widespread concern and debate.
However, the Federal Civil Service Commission swiftly responded to the claims, denying any mass disengagement of workers.
Taiwo Hassan, the Head of Press and Media Relations for the Commission, stated that no formal action had been taken to dismiss workers over their degrees.
“At our end, there is no disengagement for now,” Hassan clarified.
He added, “They have to push it to us, or maybe when they get to us, there’s another round of sitting to look at it. At times, they can invite those people involved. You know the procedures. So if they recommend that from where it’s coming from, we will consider it.”
The Commission emphasized its statutory powers, noting that any dismissal or disciplinary action would follow due process.
“If you ask me if we are dismissing now, I will say no,” Hassan stated.
He reassured the public, “We have not dismissed anybody, and this is based on what I know at this moment. Disengagement is not something hidden.”
The controversy traces back to a report by a panel set up earlier this year by the former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.
The panel, chaired by Professor Jubril Aminu, investigated alleged “degree mills” operating in Benin Republic and Togo.
According to the report, over 22,000 fake certificates were issued to Nigerians by unaccredited institutions between 2019 and 2023.
The report highlighted that many Nigerians sought these certificates to secure jobs, presenting them as legitimate foreign qualifications.
Commenting on the findings, Professor Mamman expressed dismay at the scale of the problem.
“From all indications in the report, the figure might be higher than what we have already,” he said.
He explained, “Sadly, these people have used the fake certificates to apply and secure job opportunities in government and private organizations with the mindset that they schooled abroad, while people who studied day and night are out there looking for job opportunities.”
The panel’s investigation also revealed that many of these so-called graduates never attended the schools physically.
“Even within the countries, Benin and Togo, these universities are not accredited to offer degree programs,” Mamman said.
Following the report, a circular was prepared by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to identify individuals with fake certificates and prosecute them.
The situation has raised serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s workforce and the impact of unregulated foreign education on the country.
While the Federal Government has assured civil servants that no mass sackings are underway, the issue remains a source of tension.
Civil servants affected by the controversy are calling for clarity and fairness in handling the matter.