The Federal Government says some private tertiary institutions in the Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon and others are graduating students in unaccredited and unapproved courses into the Nigerian labour market.

“These institutions graduate students in unaccredited and unapproved courses, especially, medical sciences, health and engineering courses,” said Sonny Echono, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, on Monday at the 33rd National Standing Committee meeting on evaluation and accreditation of foreign qualifications.

“In most African countries, especially in Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, Niger  etc, tertiary institutions run courses leading to award of degree certificates for two or three years as against four years or five years in Nigeria.

“There is need to critically look at the merits of these arrangements without compromising the quality of education that Nigerians receive outside the shore of the country.

“This is critical because, graduates of these institutions later return to seek employment opportunities and admission for further studies in Nigeria. We should not compromise the quality of education offered to Nigerians.”

Echono, who spoke through Ike Orji, Director of ICT at the Ministry, said relevant professional bodies in Nigeria had been directed not to register holders of such qualifications for professional membership and practice in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the ministry had stopped issuing eligibility letters to such students, adding: “They are no longer permitted to serve in the NYSC, pending the accreditation of such courses by the host countries.

“The National Standing Committee (NSC) is expected to be briefed on these developments for necessary input and guidance.

“After assessing each situation according to its merits, the NSC may wish to consider and recommend appropriate sanctions against erring institutions and individuals. The quality of education that Nigerians receive outside the shores of the country should be the concern of the committee.”

There are over 40,000 Nigerians in tertiary institutions in various African countries.

The committee to verify the qualifications was inaugurated by Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education.