Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Serious trouble has engulfed the Edo State Ministry of Health following the controversial appointment of Nelson Tenebe as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Hospital Management Agency (HMA).
Truth Live News gathered that the appointment, which was influenced by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, has sparked outrage over allegations of questionable qualifications.
Nelson Tenebe, whose appointment has been linked to his brother’s political influence, is under scrutiny for possessing certificates deemed dubious.
According to his appointment letter, Nelson claims to hold a National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Agricultural Science from Agbor, a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, and a Doctorate in Nursing from Bestower University in the Republic of Benin.
However, investigations have revealed that Bestower University does not have a medical school or offer nursing programs. Its curriculum is reportedly limited to fields such as Biochemistry and Microbiology. Furthermore, the Republic of Benin currently lacks accredited medical schools, casting serious doubts on the authenticity of Nelson Tenebe’s academic credentials.
This development has reignited concerns stemming from a 2021 federal ban on evaluating degrees from private tertiary institutions in the Republic of Benin and Togo, following widespread certificate racketeering. The policy led to the dismissal of Nigerian civil servants who acquired degrees from these institutions. The ban was prompted by a Daily Nigerian exposé revealing that over 22,500 Nigerians obtained fraudulent certificates from these countries, some within as little as two months.
A source within Edo State’s health sector, speaking anonymously, expressed dismay over the appointment. “This is dirty politics taken too far. How can someone with a National Diploma in Agricultural Science and questionable degrees oversee such a critical agency? It’s an insult to the health professionals in the state,” the source said.
The appointment, described by critics as prioritizing political loyalty over competence, has sparked debates about its implications for the state’s healthcare system. The Executive Secretary of the HMA is responsible for managing hospitals across Edo State—a role requiring expertise and verifiable credentials.
“This is about the health and safety of Edo people,” the source added. “Such a critical position cannot be politicized. Okpebholo must be warned to desist from endangering the lives of Edo citizens with questionable appointments.”
Calls for a thorough investigation into Nelson Tenebe’s qualifications and the circumstances surrounding his appointment are growing louder. Stakeholders in the health sector and civil society groups are demanding transparency and accountability, insisting that the wellbeing of Edo residents must not be compromised by political maneuvers.