Headline
Fake Certificates: 10 Nigeria Entertainers Who Bagged Degrees From Togo, Benin Republic Varsities
Following an exposé by undercover journalist, Umar Audu, revealing his detailed acquisition of a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and subsequent undetected deployment to Cross Rivers State for the NYSC programme, there has been a strong reaction among Nigerians.
The report, which has since gained prominence, led the federal government to promptly suspend the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.
The government also announced intentions to extend this sanction to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Niger Republic.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a statement on Tuesday, January 2, that the report lent credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree.
He said: “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.
“The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”
READ ALSO: NNPCL Gifts N200,000 Petrol Voucher To Lady Criticised For Waking Up At 4.50am To Cook For Husband
Reacting to the decision of the federal government, Zubby Micheal applauded the development while commenting on an Instagram post, saying that many “mugus” have been parading doctorate titles.
On Channels Television’s “Politics Today”, the Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, who appeared as a guest on Wednesday, January 3, vowed to go after citizens utilising fake certificates obtained from foreign countries to secure employment in Nigeria.
Describing such individuals as “criminals” involved in a criminal chain, Mamman insisted they ought to be arrested and not empathised with.
He said: “They are criminals and you know there is no timeframe to criminality. We will trace them. As long as we can lay our hands on their institutions and they are right here with us, certainly, the security agencies will go after them because they are criminals.”
“We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo. We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, and even Niger here where such institutions have been set up.
“We will not stop at the suspension of certificates from Togo and Benin Republic alone. We are going to extend the suspension to other countries where such institutions operate.”
READ ALSO: Rivers Police Raid Suspected Kidnappers Camp, Arrest 10
The development comes just after many entertainers got awarded degrees, including honourary doctorates from various universities in the Benin Republic.
Below is a list of entertainers including singers and actors who bagged degrees from the universities in the aforementioned countries.
Ayra Starr
Mavin star girl, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe aka Ayra Start attended Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic and received a BA degree in International Relations and Political Science at age 18.
“I made sure I got into school early because my goal was to be a teenage pop star. So, I got into school early. So I got into the university. I schooled in Benin Republic. My course was three years old. I graduated at 18.
“I have a degree in International Relations and Political science. Though, I’m thinking of getting another one,” said the “Rush” crooner in an interview with “Nairobi News”, in Kenya.
Besides Ayra Starr, the others listed were awarded honorary doctorate degrees. They include:
Kafayat Shafau
2020 saw sensational dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, also referred to as Kaffy, receive an Honourary Doctorate Degree for her remarkable role in the African dance industry from Escae Benin University in the Benin Republic.
READ ALSO: God Angry With Nigeria Over Killings, Says A’Ibom Cleric
Taking to Instagram to share the good news, the mother of two wrote: “I’m humbled to be decorated this afternoon by Escae Benin University with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition as a “pioneer in the business of dance in Africa”. This award is not just for me but for an institution. That institution is the dance industry.”
Mike Ezuruonye
In June 2021, popular actor and filmmaker, Michael Ezuruonye, also received an Honourary Doctorate of Arts and Literature from ESTAM University, Seme Campus, located in the Republic of Benin.
He shared the news on his Instagram page, expressing excitement and gratitude to his fans while identifying himself as Dr. Michael Ezuruonye.
“It’s cause of you my fans, supporters and good people this happened. Dr Michael Ezuruonye loves you all.”
Martins Okey Justice
Along with Mike, singer J. Martins bagged an honourary doctorate from the same institution.
Posing with the actor, Jay Martins in a post via his Instagram page wrote: “Ladies and Gentlemen say hello to the new Doctorates in town my humble self & my brother @mikeezu from Estam University Benin Republic
“A very big Thank you to all my supportive fans it’s because of you that I have come this far and I do not take you guys for granted so when next you see me remember to add Dr Martins Okey Justice aka J.Martins
Have a beautiful weekend everyone”.
READ ALSO: Ten Key Moments In Israel’s War With Hamas
Alexx Ekubo
In August of the same year, Alexx Ekubo received an honorary doctorate in Arts and Culture from Benin Republic’s Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston University.
The Nollywood act took to Instagram to share a picture in a ceremonial graduation gown with the caption: “Introducing, Dr Alexx Ekubo. Thanks to the governing council of the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston (ISCG UNIVERSITY) for conferring on me a Doctorate (Honorary) Degree in Arts & Culture”.
Peter Okoye
In June 2022, Peter Okoye aka Mr P, one-half of the well-known singing duo Psquare, received an honorary doctorate from the Escae-Benin University in the Benin Republic.
He was conferred Doctor of Arts by the school which he described as a “distinguished educational institution.”
Via his Instagram page, he shared the news, stating: “Dear Team P! It’s a great honor to be decorated by a distinguished educational institution, Who have recognised my contribution to Dance and Music as well as my support for the youth in the entertainment industry.”
IK Ogbonna
Popular Nigerian actor, Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna aka IK, received an honorary degree in June 2022.
A Doctorate (Honorary) Degree of Arts in Leadership and Development was granted to IK by the Institut Superieur De Technologies Et De Management, Togo.
READ ALSO: How We Moved Edo From 14th To One Of Nigeria’s Top Five Economies In Seven Years – Obaseki
Ireti Doyle
Ireti Doyle, who starred in Wedding Party, was included in the 2022 academic honour roll.
The Benin Republic’s Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University awarded the seasoned actress an honorary doctorate in August.
The actress acknowledged that although she did have a “healthy expectation of receiving accolades,” an academic honour was not what she had in mind.
Bob Manuel Udokwu
Another famous Nigerian actor, Bob Manuel, received an honorary doctorate from the same Cotonou-based University.
The Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University awarded the former Guinness Ultimate Search games master a Doctorate Degree in Arts and Culture.
Ireti Doyle disclosed the news as she shared photos from the ceremony on her Instagram page.
Pete Edochie
Veteran actor and seasoned movie star, Pete Edochie received a double honourary doctorate from the International School of Technology and Management (ISTM) University, Togo in September 2023.
The 76-year-old movie stalwart bagged a Doctorate in Literature, a Doctorate in Arts, and a lifetime achievement at the Togo-based varsity.
Source: Ruebenabati.com.ng
Headline
Judge Orders Closure Of Trump’s Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Migrant Camp
A US federal judge on Thursday barred the Trump administration and Florida state government from bringing any new migrants to the detention centre known as “Alligator Alcatraz” and ordered much of the site to be dismantled, effectively shuttering the facility.
Florida’s government swiftly announced it would appeal the decision.
The detention centre was hastily assembled in just eight days in June with bunk beds, wire cages and large white tents at an abandoned airfield in Florida’s Everglades wetlands, home to a large population of alligators.
President Donald Trump, who has vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants, visited the centre last month, boasting about the harsh conditions and joking that the reptilian predators will serve as guards.
READ ALSO:
The White House has nicknamed the facility “Alligator Alcatraz,” a reference to the former island prison in San Francisco Bay that Trump has said he wants to reopen.
The centre was planned to hold 3,000 migrants, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
But it has come under fire from both environmentalists and critics of Trump’s crackdown on migration, who consider the facility to be inhumane.
The new ruling on Thursday by District Judge Kathleen Williams comes after a lawsuit filed against the Trump administration by Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity.
READ ALSO:Trump, Putin Make No Breakthrough On Ukraine Deal, End Summit
The environmental groups argue that the detention centre threatens the sensitive Everglades ecosystem and was hastily built without conducting the legally required environmental impact studies.
– Sixty-day deadline –
Earlier this month, Williams had ordered further construction at the centre to be temporarily halted.
Now she has ordered the Trump administration and the state of Florida — which is governed by Republican Ron DeSantis — to remove all temporary fencing installed at the centre within 60 days, as well as all lighting, generators and waste and sewage treatment systems.
The order also prohibits “bringing any additional persons onto the… site who were not already being detained at the site.”
READ ALSO:Trump Threatens 250% Tariffs On Foreign Pharmaceuticals
Several detainees have spoken with AFP about the conditions at the centre, including a lack of medical care, mistreatment and the alleged violation of their legal rights.
“They don’t even treat animals like this. This is like torture,” said Luis Gonzalez, a 25-year-old Cuban who called AFP from inside the centre.
He recently shared a cell with about 30 people, a space enclosed by chain-linked fencing that he compared to a chicken coop.
The Trump administration has said it wants to make this a model for other detention centres across the country.
AFP
Headline
Japan City Mulls Two-hour Daily Smartphone Limit
A Japanese city will urge all smartphone users to limit screen time to two hours a day outside work or school under a proposed ordinance that includes no penalties.
The limit, which will be recommended for all residents in central Japan’s Toyoake City, will not be binding, and there will be no penalties incurred for higher usage, according to the draft ordinance.
The proposal aims “to prevent excessive use of devices causing physical and mental health issues… including sleep problems,” Mayor Masafumi Koki said in a statement on Friday.
The draft urges elementary school students to avoid smartphones after 9:00 pm, and junior high students and older are advised not to use them after 10:00 pm.
READ ALSO:Two Japanese Boxers Die From Brain Injuries At Same Event
The move prompted an online backlash, with many calling the plan unrealistic.
“I understand their intention, but the two-hour limit is impossible,” one user wrote on social media platform X.
“In two hours, I cannot even read a book or watch a movie (on my smartphone),” wrote another.
Others said smartphone use should be a decision for families to make for themselves.
The angry response prompted the mayor to clarify that the two-hour limit was not mandatory, emphasising that the guidelines “acknowledge smartphones are useful and indispensable in daily life”.
READ ALSO:Japan’s Petabit: What To Know About Internet Speed That Can Download 67 Million Songs In A second
The ordinance will be considered next week, and if passed, it will come into effect in October.
In 2020, the western Kagawa region issued a first-of-its-kind ordinance calling for children to be limited to an hour a day of gaming during the week, and 90 minutes during school holidays.
It also suggested children aged 12 to 15 should not be allowed to use smartphones later than 9:00 pm, with the limit rising to 10:00 pm for children between 15 and 18.
Japanese youth spend slightly over five hours on average a day online on weekdays, according to a survey published in March by the Children and Families Agency.
Headline
Pope Leo XIV Declares Friday Global Prayer, Fasting Day For Peace
Pope Leo XIV has declared Friday, August 22, a global day of prayer and fasting for peace, coinciding with the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Pope made this announcement on Wednesday during his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, as reported by Vatican News.
The appeal comes as violence continues to escalate in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and other regions facing armed conflict.
Humanitarian organisations have warned of worsening conditions, with growing numbers of displaced people and civilians caught in the crossfire.
READ ALSO:Pope Leo XIV Urges End To Exploitation And Hatred In First Address As Pontiff
Against this backdrop, the Pope’s call is a spiritual response aimed at awakening both consciences and actions.
“Too many innocent lives are being lost, and too many families are bearing the weight of wars that seem endless.
“We cannot remain indifferent,” Pope Leo said.
He urged the faithful to participate through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, stressing that these spiritual disciplines are not symbolic gestures alone but catalysts for change.
The chosen date, August 22, coincides with the liturgical celebration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast that honours Mary as a figure of intercession and peace.
By aligning the day with this Marian feast, Pope Leo highlighted the Church’s tradition of entrusting global concerns to Mary’s care.
“Let us ask Mary, Queen of Peace, to help nations rediscover the path of peace. May she intercede for people torn apart by hatred and violence,” he added.
Leaders from conflict zones quickly voiced their support.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said, “Prayer is not a magic formula, but it opens hearts where distrust and hatred have grown. It is a step toward rebuilding trust.”
READ ALSO:Pope Leo XIV Outlines A Path For A Modern Church That Follows Francis’ Steps
In Ukraine, Bishop Vitalij Skomarovskyj welcomed the initiative as a sign of solidarity, saying, “This call reminds us we are not forgotten. Prayer and fasting have great power; they can change the course of history.”
Alongside his call, Pope Leo reflected on the Church’s teaching that peace cannot thrive on justice alone; it also requires forgiveness.
Drawing from St. John Paul II’s legacy, he said, “True peace cannot exist without justice, but neither can it survive without forgiveness. Forgiveness is not surrender; it is the strength that prevents new wounds.”
This message resonates amid current debates over war reparations, ceasefire negotiations, and transitional justice processes in conflict regions.
-
Metro4 days agoVigilantes Beat, Strip Female Corps Member In Anambra
-
News5 days agoEx-US President Al Gore Loses Nigerian In-law
-
News3 days agoEdo Issues New Guideline On Education, Says Siblings’ Textbooks Transferable, Bans Graduation For KGs, Others, [A MUST READ]
-
News4 days agoCircuits Launchpad Targets 1M Jobs for Youths in the Digital Creative Sector
-
Headline3 days agoUK Bans Sanex Advert For Calling Black Skin ‘Problematic’, White Skin ‘Superior’
-
News4 days agoChieftaincy Title: Why Ooni Of Ife Won’t React To Alaafin’s 48-hour Threat — Palace Aide
-
News4 days agoLagos Declares Holiday For Isese Festival
-
News3 days agoNigerians Call For Mandatory DNA Tests At Birth
-
News3 days ago
Yoruba Elders Wade In As Alaafin, Ooni Feud Escalates
-
Sports4 days agoEnabulele Congratulates Bendel Insurance For Pre-Season Tournament Performance