Investigative Report: Inside the Lucrative Trade of Obtaining Dubious University Degrees in West Africa

The ever-persistent issue of counterfeit degree certificates, particularly from universities in Benin Republic and Togo, continues to raise serious concerns. The astonishing ease and speed with which these certificates are procured have unearthed a disconcerting trend.

DAILY NIGERIAN reporter, Umar Audu, went undercover to get first-hand information on how these certificate racketeers operate and investigated the booming business.

Cotonou, renowned for its flourishing second-hand car market, has unwittingly become a hub for expedited academic certifications. The prerequisites are staggeringly simple—O-level certificates, whether authentic or counterfeit, and a varying sum of money, contingent upon the chosen course, urgency, and degree classification.

In a startlingly brief timeframe of one to two months, individuals can attain a ‘graduate’ status from the myriad of universities strewn across these West African nations.

The repercussions of these substandard qualifications are dire. Individuals, bereft of genuine intelligence or driven by laziness, enter into a competitive job market, pitted against hardworking graduates who dedicated four rigorous years to earn their degrees.

The Undercover Operation

In December 2022, DAILY NIGERIAN reporter engaged with a racketeering syndicate specializing in the sale of these infamous certificates from neighboring countries. The agent offered the choice of a year-long or month-long ‘study’ program; the reporter opted for the latter.

Upon payment on December 27, 2022, the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT), Cotonou, Benin Republic, promptly delivered the degree certificate and transcript by February 17, 2023. Astonishingly, the transcript claimed the reporter commenced studies in 2018 and graduated by September 5, 2022.

Despite lacking an admission letter or prior knowledge of the institution, the reporter’s concerns about authenticity were dispelled by a scan code embedded in the transcript, linking to ESGT’s website, validating his credentials.

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Corruption Unveiled

The investigation unearthed collusion between Nigerian agents and top management at the Cotonou campus. Even the Federal Ministry of Education seemed embroiled, demanding bribes for evaluation letters essential for NYSC mobilization.

Shockingly, letters from the Federal Ministry of Education attested to ESGT’s accreditation, clearing 51 graduates for NYSC, illustrating a blatant disregard for due process.

Flawed Systems and Double Participation

Despite prior participation in NYSC, the reporter, with questionable credentials, effortlessly maneuvered the system during the 2023 Batch B registration. Loopholes in the system seemed apparent as attempts to flag multiple participations were futile.

A convoluted process, involving falsified passport stamps and manipulation, ultimately granted NYSC clearance.

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Repercussions and Looming Crisis

The proliferation of these dubious degrees, despite previous government measures to curb it, reflects a worrying trend. Corruption within the Federal Ministry of Education and lapses in NYSC protocols exacerbate this concerning issue.

Official Responses and Denials

When confronted, officials from various departments and agencies denied complicity, citing stringent systems in place to deter fraudulent activities. However, the investigation highlighted glaring inadequacies and potential systemic flaws.

Conclusion

The underbelly of West Africa’s academic landscape is tainted by widespread corruption and system vulnerabilities, leaving genuine graduates at a disadvantage and casting doubt on the integrity of certification processes.

ESGT’s Silence

Despite attempts to reach out, ESGT remained unresponsive to inquiries, raising further questions about their involvement in this questionable affair.