In a groundbreaking undercover investigation, a journalist identified as Umar Audu, has uncovered the flourishing underworld of forged academic certificates and expedited academic qualifications offered by a syndicate operating in collaboration with a Cotonou-based university.
In the report, the exposé began when the reporter, seeking a quick educational shortcut, engaged a syndicate promising to provide a bachelor’s degree within a month from the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The package included a payment for tuition fees, evaluation letter, resident permit, immigration stamps, and transportation.
“Cotonou is not only famous for the thriving second-hand car business popularly called ‘tokunbo’; it also serves as a mecca for those in need of express degrees.
“The requirements are O-level certificates – fake or genuine – and the required amount of money, which varies depending on the course, urgency and class of degree”, he stated.
While sharing his findings, he stated that, despite not undergoing any formal application, studying, or examinations, he received the alleged degree and transcript within an astonishing two months.
“On December 27, 2022, our reporter made the payment and was issued a payment receipt.
“True to the agent’s words, the certificate and transcript of Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, Cotonou, Benin Republic, were delivered to his office on February 17, 2023.”
He explained that suspicions arose regarding the authenticity of these documents until the discovery of a unique scan code on the transcript.
The code directed to ESGT’s website, seemingly confirming the reporter’s status as a genuine alumnus.
“But despite having the certificate and transcript in his possession, the reporter had fears they could be fake, until he discovered a scan code placed on the left bottom of the transcript. And when the reporter scanned through, it directed him to the website of ESGT University, indicating that he is a genuine product of the institution.
“On its website, ESGT, established in 2009, said, “It is an institution built upon a vision that enables individuals from a mix of different nationalities and cultures to get the best in undergraduate and postgraduate international education”, the report stated.
The report also indicated that further investigation revealed disturbing collusion between Nigerian agents and the top management of ESGT, whose registrar and English section coordinator are Nigerians.
It stated that the syndicate managed to procure evaluation letters from the Federal Ministry of Education, a mandatory requirement for National Youth Service Corps mobilization.
The Ministry, in separate correspondence, confirmed ESGT’s accreditation and cleared 51 graduates for participation in the NYSC, attesting to the equivalence of degrees awarded by ESGT with those from Nigerian universities.
“When the NYSC opened its portal for 2023 Batch B registration in June, this reporter was afraid that the system would reject him outright as he had genuinely participated in the scheme in the past.
“But soon after he began the screening, his fears was allayed as the NYSC seemingly lacked the digital tool to flag attempts to participate in the scheme twice or more.
“The only initial obstacle he had was when he input the email and phone number he used during his genuine NYSC registration, a message popped up saying, “This email and phone number have already been registered.” Our reporter then immediately switched to his alternative phone number and email.”
“He therefore created a new profile, uploaded all the required documents, including fingerprints,” the report stated.
