The Federal Government’s decision to blacklist degrees obtained from universities in Togo and Benin Republic has not stopped Nigerian students from enrolling in those institutions. Reports suggest that despite the risks, thousands of young Nigerians continue to pursue their higher education across the border.

Why Students Are Leaving Nigeria

Students cite multiple reasons for choosing foreign universities, including the recurring strikes in Nigerian universities, which often prolong academic programmes far beyond their normal duration. Admission hurdles also play a major role, as many qualified students are unable to secure slots in Nigerian public universities due to limited capacity.

Some students further argue that universities in Benin and Togo offer faster academic calendars and lower costs, making them a more attractive option compared to the uncertainty at home.

One Nigerian student in Porto-Novo told The Nation she had no choice but to leave after failing to gain admission locally despite scoring above the JAMB cut-off mark. “I just wanted to study without delays,” she said.

The Ban and Its Impact

In 2024, the Federal Government announced a blanket ban on all degrees from these countries, citing widespread abuse by “degree mills” that allegedly sold certificates to Nigerians. The move has left over 22,000 graduates caught in limbo, with their qualifications no longer recognised for jobs or postgraduate study.

Student groups and education stakeholders argue that the decision unfairly lumps genuine students with fraudsters. They are urging the government to differentiate accredited universities from fake ones, rather than punish all holders of foreign degrees.

What It Means for Stakeholders

For students and their families, the situation raises fears that years of study and financial investment could amount to nothing. Employers, too, are left in a dilemma, unsure whether to trust foreign degrees. For policymakers, the controversy highlights persistent problems in Nigeria’s higher education system—most notably the need for expanded access, better infrastructure, and a more stable academic calendar to reduce the push factors driving students abroad.

Educator’s View

The persistence of this trend is less about the allure of Togo or Benin and more about the gaps in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. Until universities at home can guarantee uninterrupted learning and wider access, students will continue to take the risk of seeking opportunities elsewhere—even when government policies threaten their future recognition.

Sources

The Nation – Student perspectives on studying abroad despite ban
Vanguard – Government ban and 22,000 affected
Nigeria Education News – Ongoing enrollment numbers