Benin Universities and Nigerian Polytechnics Caught in NYSC Fraud Scandal

Blacklisted Benin Universities and the NYSC Scheme

Some blacklisted universities in the Benin Republic have found a way to help their graduates participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by collaborating with private polytechnics in Nigeria. This scheme, uncovered by a recent investigation, has revealed how these institutions are circumventing restrictions imposed by the Nigerian government.

The Process of Certificate Acquisition

According to findings, these universities obtain Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) certificates for their students through private polytechnics in Nigeria. After receiving these certificates, the polytechnics then mobilize the students for the mandatory NYSC program. Students are required to pay around N400,000 to secure these certificates from the polytechnics, which are mostly located in the South-West and South-East states of Nigeria.

Background on the Blacklisting

In 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo. Over 45 universities from both countries were affected by this decision. The move came after a report by Daily Nigerian exposed a degree mill in Cotonou, where an undercover reporter obtained a degree within six weeks and even participated in the NYSC. Following the ban, some of the affected universities turned to private Nigerian polytechnics to facilitate NYSC enrollment for their graduates.

The Role of Private Polytechnics

A graduate from Esfam-Benin University, one of the blacklisted institutions in Porto Novo, shared his experience. He mentioned that his academic records had been forwarded to a Nigerian private polytechnic for processing. He also noted that some of his classmates had already been processed and were awaiting their NYSC call-up letters. The student revealed that two graduates from the school had already been mobilized for NYSC through the same polytechnic.

He explained that the process involved paying a significant amount of money. “I was told to pay N120,000 for a ‘special centre’ where they will help me pass the GCE or an equivalent exam. Once that’s done, I can register and the portal will be opened for me.”

Another graduate confirmed that a key member of the university's management informed them about the "package" after the Nigerian government banned institutions in the country. The member, Dele, claimed he could help them through a private polytechnic in Nigeria, providing a link for registration and requesting a certain amount of money.

The Fraudulent Scheme Unveiled

A university administrator in Porto Novo, who was part of the syndicate, revealed how the application process works. He explained that a Bachelor of Science certificate from a Benin Republic institution is needed to prove graduation. Once the certificate is obtained, the polytechnic includes the students' names in the senate list, which is used by NYSC. The students then pay a fee, and the Nigerian polytechnics request their transcripts before graduating them as their own.

The source added that since certificates from the Benin Republic are no longer recognized in Nigeria, students had to find alternative means to bypass the restriction. All schools in Benin are reportedly doing the same thing.

Reactions from Authorities

An official from Esfam-Benin University denied any involvement in such a scheme. Femi Simon insisted that the university had no partnership with any Nigerian institution and stated that all students serve via available channels before the Nigerian government policy on Benin and Togo.

The acting NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, said the NYSC was not aware of the situation. She stated, “We are not aware of this. Foreign graduates are cleared by the Ministry of Education. All foreign graduates pass through them.”

However, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Folashade Omoboriowo, denied the possibility of such fraud. She emphasized that the registration portal had been designed to detect manipulations. “We created a portal to streamline this. The portal was modified and used for data capturing for NYSC to mobilise HND students,” she said.

Responses from Educational Bodies

The National Chairman of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria, Dr Usman Tunga, said he was not aware of such an occurrence. He added that if any fraudulent activity was detected, it would be reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

Despite the denials, the evidence suggests that some blacklisted Benin universities are actively working with Nigerian polytechnics to ensure their graduates can participate in the NYSC.