Ayra Starr and Ireti Doyle among celebrities caught up in fake certificate saga
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Upcoming musical artiste Ayra Starr and legendary actress Ireti Doyle are among Nigerian celebrities caught up in the “Cotonou certificate” mess unearthed by journalist Umar Audu which has led to Abuja banning 58 foreign universities from operating in Nigeria.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) said it will no longer accredit degree certificates issued by the banned universities, with a collateral damage on such certificates already obtained by thousands of Nigerians compelled to patronise those schools because local universities did not have space to accommodate them.
Public figures in Nigeria among victims of the scam include social media influencers, entertainers, singers, Nollywooders, and other celebrities, some of whom obtained the fake certificates long ago knowingly or unknowingly.
Education Minister Tahir Mamman on January 3 vowed on Channels Television to go after citizens using fake certificates obtained from foreign countries to secure employment in Nigeria.
He described such individuals as “criminals” involved in a criminal chain and insisted they ought to be arrested and not empathised with.
“They are criminals and you know there is no timeframe to criminality. We will trace them,” he pledged.
“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.”
Below is a list of entertainers as well as singers and actors their kind who obtained degrees from the foreign universities now flagged by the NUC, per reporting by The Nation.
Ayra Starr
Mavin star girl, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe aka Ayra Starr, 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 [for] three years. I graduated at 18,” she said.
“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.
Kafayat Shafau
2020 saw sensational dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, also referred to as Kaffy, receive an honorary doctorate degree for her remarkable role in the African dance industry from Escae Benin University in the Benin Republic.
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.”
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Related articles:
15k Nigerian students, following Tinubu’s example, are trapped in “Cotonou certificate” scam
Nigeria shuts down 58 illegal private varsities, proprietors arrested
Abuja releases full list of foreign varsities banned in Nigeria
Nigerian unis lack space for 323,782 medical students
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Mike Ezuruonye
In June 2021, popular actor and filmmaker Michael Ezuruonye also received an honorary doctorate of arts and literature from ESTAM University, Seme Campus, 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
Singer J. Martins also obtained an honorary doctorate from ESTAM University.
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.”
Alexx Ekubo
In August 2021, Alexx Ekubo received an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston University, Benin Republic.
The Nollywood act took to Instagram to share a picture in a ceremonial graduation gown with the caption: “Introducin.g, 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 Benin Republic.
He was conferred with a doctor of arts by the school, which he described as a “distinguished educational institution.”
Mr P shared on his Instagram page: “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 in June 2022 a doctorate (honorary) degree of arts in leadership and development from the Institut Superieur De Technologies Et De Management, Togo.
Ireti Doyle
Ireti Doyle, who starred in Wedding Party, was included in the 2022 academic honours roll of Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University, Benin Republic, which awarded her an honorary doctorate in August that year.
She 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 Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University which awarded the former Guinness Ultimate Search games master a doctorate degree in arts and culture.
Pete Edochie
Veteran actor Pete Edochie received a double honorary doctorate from the International School of Technology and Management (ISTM) University, Togo in September 2023.
The 76-year-old bagged a doctorate in literature, a doctorate in arts, and a lifetime achievement.
