(Last Updated On: )

The Federal Civil Service Commission has refuted claims of an ongoing mass sacking of civil servants who obtained their degree certificates from unrecognized universities in Benin Republic and Togo.
The clarification comes amidst growing concerns among federal workers following a post by former Senator Shehu Sani on X (formerly Twitter), alleging the government had begun weeding out affected employees.
In a statement released through Taiwo Hassan, Head of Press and Media Relations, the Head of the Civil Service Commission emphasized that no formal recommendation for such action had been received. “At our end, there is no disengagement for now. They have to push it to us, or maybe when they get to us, there’s another round of sitting to look at it,” the official explained.
The Commission further highlighted its statutory role, stating, “The Commission holds the power to employ, transfer, dismiss, discipline, and promote. If you ask me if we are dismissing now, I will say no. We have not dismissed anybody, and this is based on what I know at this moment. Disengagement is not something hidden.”
Earlier this year, a panel headed by Prof. Jubril Aminu, set up by the erstwhile Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, investigated alleged degree mills operating in neighboring African countries. The panel reported that over 22,000 fake certificates were obtained by Nigerians from unrecognized universities in Benin and Togo between 2019 and 2023.
Commenting on the report, Mamman suggested the actual figure might be higher, as some individuals chose not to participate in the mandatory NYSC scheme and other engagements that would have enabled data collection. He expressed concern that these individuals used fake certificates to secure job opportunities in government and private organizations, while qualified candidates struggled to find employment.
Mamman also noted that the universities in question were not accredited to offer degree programs within Benin and Togo. He added that a circular had been prepared from the Office of Head of Service of the Federation to enable the government to identify and prosecute those involved.
The post No Mass Sacking In Civil Service Over Degrees From Benin Republic And Togo, Says FG appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.