Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has raised concerns about the legitimacy of degrees awarded to Nigerian celebrities by universities in Benin Republic and Togo. His comments come in response to the recent announcement by the Nigerian Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, revealing that 22,789 degrees from these countries have been invalidated.
The Minister disclosed that between 2019 and 2023, thousands of Nigerians obtained fake degrees from unaccredited institutions in Benin Republic and Togo. He stated, “We cannot have in our midst people who procured fake certificates competing with students who graduated from universities and polytechnics through their sweat.”
Reacting on Instagram, Solade questioned the fate of all the honorary doctorate degrees given to Nigerian celebrities from these countries. He wrote, “What happens to ALL the ABSURD Doctorate Degrees splashed on Nigerian celebs since FG has pronounced that degrees acquired from Benin Republic since 2017 are INVALID?” Solade’s remarks highlight the broader implications of the invalidation on public figures and their credentials.
