Fake Degrees, Real Consequences: A Stark Reminder From History

BY ISAAC ASABOR

In a significant move, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently approved the dismissal of workers who obtained employment through forged degrees from institutions in Benin and Togo. This action, while necessary to maintain the integrity of the country’s workforce, serves as a poignant reminder of a time when academic credentials from certain Indian institutions were not recognised in Nigeria. The embarrassment and disappointment felt by those who spent time and money on unrecognised degrees should serve as a lesson to current and prospective students.

Foreign degrees have an undeniable allure. Many Nigerians believe that obtaining an international education, particularly from neighbouring countries such as Benin and Togo, will lead to better job opportunities and social standing. However, the recent crackdown on fake certificates has revealed a harsh reality: not all degrees are equal.

Years ago, Nigerians pursuing academic qualifications from various institutions in India faced a similar situation. Upon their return, many discovered that their degrees were not recognised by Nigerian employers or professional organisations. What was the result? A waste of resources, time, and, perhaps most importantly, a damaged reputation. The situation now is no different. Workers who used fake degrees from Benin and Togo are now facing the consequences, with their jobs and careers on the line.

This ongoing issue emphasises the significance of due diligence when pursuing educational credentials. It is not enough to simply obtain a degree; Nigerians must ensure that the institutions they attend are accredited and that their credentials are recognised and respected at home. The financial investment in education is significant, and the consequences of obtaining an unrecognised or fraudulent degree can be disastrous, both professionally and personally.

The embarrassment of being caught with a fake or unrecognised degree cannot be overstated. It is more than just losing a job; it is also losing trust, credibility, and the opportunities that come with a strong educational background. In today’s competitive job market, where qualifications can make or break a career, obtaining a legitimate, recognised degree is critical.

Nigerians must learn from the past and be cautious in their educational pursuits. Before enrolling in a foreign institution, prospective students should check the school’s accreditation status and ensure that its degrees are recognised by relevant Nigerian authorities. This due diligence is critical, especially given the significant amount of money and time invested in obtaining these credentials.

The Federal Government’s decision is a warning to all Nigerians. This is because the pursuit of education is noble, and it must be carried out with integrity and foresight. The reasons for the preceding viewpoint are not farfetched, as the cost of obtaining a fake or unrecognised degree is prohibitively expensive, with long-term consequences. As the adage goes, “To be forewarned is forearmed.” Let this serve as a reminder to everyone: fake degrees have real consequences.

As expected, the news of job terminations within Nigeria’s federal government sparked heated debates across the country. While some may see these actions as harsh and inconsiderate, it is critical to understand the larger implications of hiring people with fake degrees in the public sector. The consequences of such fraud extend beyond individual careers; they undermine the quality of production and services in the workplace and, more importantly, disadvantage those who earned their degrees legitimately.

Fake degrees are more than just a personal deception; they pose a societal threat. When people use fraudulent qualifications to get jobs, they bring a lack of competence with them, which can have a negative impact on the quality of work they do. Underqualified personnel can have disastrous consequences in any sector, including education, healthcare, and engineering. For example, a doctor with a forged medical degree could endanger lives, whereas an engineer without proper credentials could contribute to infrastructure failures.

Similarly, quality production and service delivery depend on the workforce’s expertise and competence. When people with fake degrees enter the system, it reduces the overall efficiency and productivity of the workplace. This not only stifles organisational growth but also undermines national development as a whole.

One of the most obvious injustices of hiring people with fake degrees is the unfairness it creates for those who have truly earned their qualifications. The path to obtaining a degree is often long, difficult, and expensive. Students and professionals who have dedicated their time, resources, and effort to obtaining valid degrees deserve to compete on an equal playing field. Allowing those with fraudulent credentials to hold positions of responsibility is a slap in the face of hard-working individuals who earned their qualifications legitimately.

Furthermore, keeping people with fake degrees in the workforce sends a dangerous message that dishonesty and taking shortcuts are acceptable paths to success. This erodes society’s moral fabric and fosters a culture of deception, which can have far-reaching consequences outside the workplace.

The Nigerian government’s decision to terminate the employment of those found to have fake degrees should not be interpreted as inconsiderate or wicked. Rather, it is a necessary step to protect the workforce’s integrity and ensure that public services are provided by competent and qualified individuals. By taking a firm stance against academic fraud, the government is defending the value of education and establishing a standard that competence, not deception, should be the basis for employment.

It is important to note that the government’s actions promote national development. A nation can only progress if its public servants are truly qualified to do their jobs. The decision to remove people with fake degrees from the workforce is a step towards creating a more competent, efficient, and trustworthy public sector.

Job termination for fake degrees is a necessary action that should be viewed in the context of maintaining the integrity and quality of Nigeria’s workforce. While it may appear harsh to those affected, it is a fair and just decision that protects the rights of individuals with valid degrees and ensures that public services are provided by those who are truly qualified. The government is responsible for ensuring that all public servants are competent and that fraud does not impede the nation’s development. In this light, those who have lost their jobs should view the government as upholding the principles of fairness, competence, and national integrity.