10 mistakes of sacked Education Minister Tahir – Group

A non-government organisation, Education for Accelerated Development (EDAD), has commended the President, Bola Tinubu for relieving Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman of his appointment, describing it as an action long overdue.

The Minister was among five cabinet members sacked by President Tinubu on Wednesday to reposition the National Executive Council for effective service delivery.

EDAD, in a statement on Thursday by the national coordinator, Dr. Livinus Mbaonu, said Mamman was on a mission to reverse gains made in the education sector in recent times, commending his sack.

Listing ten reasons that may have led to his sack, EDAD said: “Providing misinformation leading to diplomatic conflict: Tahir’s statements led to a diplomatic misunderstanding between Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo, resulting in the suspension of degree programs from universities in these countries.

“Misrepresenting accredited universities in Benin: He wrongly claimed that only three universities in Benin were accredited while the actual number is over 50, causing confusion about the legitimacy of these institutions.

“Denial of NYSC Scheme to foreign students: His handling of foreign students’ participation in the NYSC scheme caused thousands of Nigerian graduates from Benin and Togo to be denied entry into the program and The Ministry of Education’s failure to address the needs of stranded foreign students whose scholarships are unpaid or delayed leads to significant challenges.

“Interagency conflicts: Under Tahir’s leadership, there were conflicts among key educational bodies like the NBTE, NUC, NYSC, and JAMB. This lack of coordination led to conflicting information, resulting in graduates being denied participation in the NYSC or professional exams.”

It accused the former Minister of inefficiency in accreditation processes. According to the group, despite visiting over 50 universities for accreditation in a year, none of them were approved, showcasing bureaucratic delays and inefficiency.

It added: “Interference in agency appointments: Tahir’s meddling in appointments across various agencies and boards under the Ministry of Education caused dissatisfaction and inefficiency in the management of educational institutions.

“18-year admission policy: His implementation of an 18-year minimum age policy for university admissions resulted in a lawsuit against the Ministry, as many saw it as restrictive and discriminatory.

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“Pronouncement on degrees from Benin and Togo: Tahir declared that Nigerians who had obtained certificates from universities in Benin and Togo would be sacked from public service and prosecuted, which led to many Nigerians losing their jobs and caused widespread unrest.

“False promise of stipend for unemployed graduates: He claimed that the Federal Government would pay stipends to all unemployed graduates in Nigeria, a promise that was not part of the government’s agenda and created false expectations.

“Lack of cohesion with other officials: There was a noticeable lack of cooperation and harmony between Tahir and the Minister of State for Education, as well as other senior officials, leading to inefficiency in the Ministry’s operations.”