Member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has received high commendation from a coalition of education stakeholders for his pivotal role in the successful legislative intervention that culminated in the reversal of the Federal Government's blanket invalidation of degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from universities in the Republics of Benin and Togo.
The commendation was conveyed in a formal letter of appreciation dated June 19, 2026, and signed by Lagos-based legal practitioner, Bunmi Ogunmodede Esq., Solicitor to the Coalition of Stakeholders in Education in the Republic of Benin and Togo. The letter acknowledged Aguocha's unwavering commitment and leadership throughout the legislative process that sought justice for more than 22,000 Nigerians whose academic qualifications were threatened by the policy.
According to the letter, the controversy arose following a pronouncement by the former Minister of Education that certificates obtained by Nigerians from universities in Benin Republic and Togo from 2017 onward would no longer be recognized. The announcement reportedly generated widespread anxiety among affected graduates, amid reports that some public servants risked losing their jobs as a consequence of the policy.
Concerned by the potentially devastating impact of the decision on thousands of Nigerian citizens, the coalition mobilized legal and advocacy efforts aimed at securing a review of the government's position. Ogunmodede noted that upon becoming aware of the plight of the affected graduates, Aguocha promptly embraced the cause and provided the needed legislative backing to ensure that their concerns received national attention.
The legal practitioner recalled that the federal lawmaker formally presented Petition No. 445 of 2024 before the House of Representatives and delivered what he described as an articulate and comprehensive presentation that persuaded lawmakers to accept the petition and refer it to the House Committee on Public Petitions for further consideration. He further stated that despite several adjournments encountered during the committee's deliberations, Aguocha remained actively involved and consistently supported the stakeholders throughout the process.
The sustained efforts eventually yielded positive results when the House of Representatives, on March 11, 2026, adopted the report of the Committee on Public Petitions and approved a series of recommendations designed to address the issue. Among the key resolutions adopted by the House were a call on the Federal Government to rescind the blanket invalidation of certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo, the adoption of a case-by-case verification mechanism for addressing confirmed cases of fraud, and strengthened collaboration between Nigerian authorities and their counterparts in both countries to improve verification and authentication procedures.
The House also recommended increased public awareness campaigns on the accreditation status of foreign institutions, as well as the need for future government policies to align with Nigeria's bilateral, regional and international treaty obligations. Stakeholders described the resolutions as a landmark victory that restored hope to thousands of Nigerians whose educational and professional futures had been thrown into uncertainty.
Expressing profound gratitude, Ogunmodede stated that the successful outcome would not have been possible without Aguocha's commitment and intervention. On behalf of the Coalition of Stakeholders in Education in the Republic of Benin and Togo and the over 22,000 Nigerians affected by the policy, he thanked the lawmaker for standing firmly with them throughout the struggle and helping secure a favorable resolution.
The letter concluded with prayers and goodwill for Aguocha, describing his intervention as a demonstration of responsive and people-oriented representation. The coalition wished him greater accomplishments in public service and expressed confidence that his continued advocacy would bring further benefits to his constituents and Nigerians at large.