The recent ban of schools and certificates from universities in Benin Republic by the Federal Government of Nigeria has affected 15, 00 students, according to National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Benin Republic.
Due to the effect, NANS has called for leniency considering the number of affected students currently studying in the country and across the region – who have a proper formalized academic structure.
The student body is urging the government to reconsider its stance, particularly for students who were legitimately admitted.
Ugochukwu Favour, the President of NANS in Benin Republic, expressed his concerns during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday, January 04, 2023.
Favour stated the need for a nuanced approach to the issue, considering the large number of students affected.
“For now, I will say that the Federal Government should look into the issue. Now, you can’t, because it is happening in this school, punish everyone because it involved close to 15,000 students in the Benin Republic,” said Ugochukwu Favour.
“I have really not validated if it has been happening for a long time. This is just like what just came out on social media, and we are still trying to find out how long it has been happening.”
Favour disclosed that the Association has instituted a a committee to the matter and find out the coverage and depth of problems so that the position of government does not amount to collective punishment.
The NANS President’s plea is grounded in the belief that genuine students should not bear the brunt of the actions of a few.
The Federal Government had moved to ban foreign certificates and degree awarding schools as a response to the investigative report carried out by a journalist who got awarded a degree within 6 months after paying the some of N600, 000.
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