Over 650 Nigerian students at ESM University in Benin Republic have appealed to President Bola Tinubu for help after the Federal Government derecognized their university. They face the potential loss of years of study and financial investment due to a ban on certificates from foreign institutions deemed fraudulent.
In the wake of a recent ban by the Federal Government of Nigeria, no fewer than 650 Nigerian students enrolled at ESM University in the Benin Republic are desperately appealing to President Bola Tinubu for assistance. The government's decision to derecognize the university and several others in Benin and Togo has left these students in a state of despair, fearing for their academic futures.
On Thursday, hundreds of students and their parents marched peacefully to the residence of Chibuzor Chinyere, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), in Port Harcourt, to voice their concerns. These students, many of whom are beneficiaries of OPM scholarships, expressed the significant impact the ban has had on their mental health and academic prospects.
Hycenth Ikechukwu, a final-year Business Administration student, lamented the timing of the ban, which came just as he was nearing graduation. "It is not fair to ask someone in their final year to start over at 100-level in Nigerian universities after years of hard work and millions spent," he said tearfully, urging President Tinubu to intervene.
Another student, Moses Joseph, called on the government to facilitate their transfer to Nigerian universities, even if it meant starting from scratch. "We should be allowed to submit our academic transcripts to continue our education in the country," he pleaded.
The situation has also taken a toll on the students' families. Justin Hyacinth, a blind widow, expressed her devastation at the news, which jeopardizes her son's scholarship abroad. "I am begging the government to immediately do something about this and reverse the ban," she urged.
Chibuzor Chinyere highlighted that the church had previously confirmed ESM University's accreditation and its graduates had participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). "OPM has invested over ₦500 million in these students, and it is unfair to deem our investment and the student’s efforts a waste," he stated, emphasizing the need for the government to reconsider its decision.
As the students and their families await a response, the uncertainty surrounding their academic future continues to grow, with many hoping for a swift resolution to this crisis.
