Renowned human rights activist and former Senator Shehu Sani has sparked a heated debate on social media following his criticism of the Federal Government’s termination of staff who graduated from universities in the Republic of Benin. Sani, known for his outspoken stance on societal issues, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to express his dismay, stating:
“So sad to read the termination letters of some of the FG staff who graduated from the universities in Benin Republic.”
His post quickly ignited a flurry of reactions, with many Nigerians offering diverse perspectives on the matter.
One particularly striking reaction came from activist Mahdi Shehu, who accused the government of orchestrating the move to create employment opportunities for individuals with privileged connections.
“It was deliberately orchestrated to create vacancies for those whose father and mother are in charge of the kitchen and attached store,” Mahdi alleged. He added, “The list and names therein will tell you the game at play. Luckily, nothing lasts forever.”
This insinuation of nepotism struck a chord with many who believe that the decision reflects a larger systemic problem of inequality in Nigeria’s public sector.
The authenticity of degrees awarded by some Benin Republic universities has been a long-standing issue of contention. Critics have often questioned the credibility of certain institutions, with allegations that they offer fast-tracked degrees without rigorous academic standards.
One user replied on X:
“Can you complete a four-year degree program in eight months?”
This sentiment was echoed by others who questioned the legitimacy of the affected graduates’ qualifications. However, defenders of the graduates argued that not all institutions in the Republic of Benin are fraudulent and that the blanket termination was an unfair generalization.
Adding a layer of complexity, another user commented:
“Why not? If fraudsters, barons, and forgers can be ‘in charge.'”
This response highlighted a prevailing frustration with perceived corruption and incompetence in Nigeria’s governance, suggesting that the decision to terminate the affected staff might itself be rooted in questionable motives.
The controversy has once again spotlighted the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public service recruitment and employment policies. Observers argue that while addressing questionable academic qualifications is necessary, it must be done with fairness, ensuring that genuine graduates are not unfairly victimized.
Senator Shehu Sani’s intervention underscores the importance of public discourse on such matters. His statement reflects the broader societal concern over fairness, meritocracy, and the deepening divide between Nigeria’s ruling elite and its citizens.
As the debate rages on, one question looms large: Is this a genuine effort to uphold academic integrity, or just another manifestation of entrenched systemic bias?
PIONEER NEWS 