The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to uphold the validity of certificates earned from accredited and recognised institutions.
Sununu was speaking when delegate of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANSID), paid him a courtesy call in Abuja on Wednesday.
The visit was to address concerns regarding the legitimacy of academic qualifications obtained from institutions in Benin, Togo, and other neighbouring countries.
Sununu emphasised the pivotal role of education in national development and poverty alleviation.
“Education is key to eradicating poverty. We must ensure that qualitative education guarantees effective service delivery to all Nigerians, which we refer to as educational security,” he said.
He stressed the need for a robust education system to nurture individuals with strong critical thinking, skills, knowledge, and ethical values.
Sununu also clarified that the recent suspension of evaluation and accreditation for degrees from neighbouring countries did not affect certificates from duly accredited institutions.
“The crucial factor is the accreditation of the institution issuing the certificate.
“This ensures that the certificate adheres to established standards and is valid for employment, further education, or other purposes,” he added.
Addressing the challenges posed by the global economic crisis, including fluctuations in the naira-dollar exchange rates, Sununu assured that the Ministry remained committed to timely scholarship payments and effective budget management.
“We have commenced implementation for 2024 and are working to ensure our budget remains sustainable throughout the year,” he confirmed.
While highlighting the importance of adhering to bilateral agreements for students studying abroad, such as those in Morocco, he emphasised that any issues should be resolved directly with the respective institutions.
He noted that the revised Student Loan Act underscored the President’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and providing comprehensive support to students, including funding for skills development.
Earlier, Juwon Fayemi, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANSID), reported severe challenges, including unforeseen medical expenses, discrepancies in scholarships, and accommodation shortages.
Fayemi called for urgent intervention and support, citing ongoing issues with certificate authentication from the Benin Republic.
He advocated for the recognition of NANSID as a key stakeholder in resolving these issues in the sector. (NAN)
