HOUSE OF REPS FORCES FG TO REVERSE DEGREE INVALIDATION — OBI AGUOCHA’S PETITION SAVES THOUSANDS OF JOBS
A major intervention at the National Assembly led by Hon. Obi Aguocha (Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South) has halted the blanket invalidation of degree certificates obtained from universities in the Republics of Benin and Togo.
On 24 October 2024, Hon. Aguocha presented Petition No. 445 before the House of Representatives on behalf of Sovereignty Legal Practitioners and stakeholders in the education sector, challenging the Federal Government’s sweeping policy.
The petition argued that the decision unfairly punished thousands of Nigerians who graduated from duly accredited universities, leading to:
- Suspension of NYSC mobilization
- Termination and threat of job losses for many graduates
Following the petition, the matter was investigated by the House Committee on Public Petitions, which held several hearings and obtained official accreditation records from:
- Federal Ministry of Education
- Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Authorities in Benin and Togo
The investigation confirmed that the accreditation records were verifiable and legitimate.
Following the presentation of the report, the House of Representatives adopted the Committee’s findings and passed a resolution directing the Federal Government to:
- Rescind the blanket invalidation of certificates
- Introduce a case-by-case verification system for suspected cases of fraud
The House also noted that the policy may violate Sections 36 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution and breach ECOWAS protocols on mutual recognition of academic qualifications.
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This decisive action by the House of Representatives is expected to restore justice and protect the livelihoods of thousands of innocent Nigerian graduates.
Hon. Obi Aguocha continues to stand firmly for fairness, justice, and the protection of Nigerians.