Federal Government Takes Action Against Fake Degrees: Committee Launched to Examine Allegations of Degree Fraud in Nigerian Universities

The Federal Government has established an inter-ministerial committee to investigate allegations of degrees racketeering within both foreign and local private universities in Nigeria. This move comes in response to a recent publication by an investigative journalist from the Daily Nigerian Newspaper, which exposed the circulation of fake degree certificates from institutions in Benin Republic and Togo.

Chaired by Prof. Jibrila Amin, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), the committee is tasked with examining the involvement of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) or their officials in facilitating the recognition and procurement of these fake certificates.

Other members of the committee include Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Amb. Lazarus Ikpasaba from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abel Olanrewaju from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Omeh Nwokpoku from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Amina Lugga from the Federal Ministry of Youths, and Mrs. Doom Iyortyom from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The committee has been given a strict deadline of eight weeks to complete its investigation and submit its findings. During the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasized the importance of the committee’s work in addressing the weaknesses in the accreditation and certification processes that have contributed to the proliferation of fake degrees.

The terms of reference for the committee include a comprehensive review of existing policies and procedures related to accreditation and certification, as well as an examination of the rules and processes for the recognition and accreditation of foreign universities and programs by the Federal Ministry of Education. Additionally, the committee is expected to identify any unapproved foreign institutions (Degree Mills) operating in Nigeria and make recommendations to prevent their activities.

In response to the minister’s charge, Prof. Jibrila Amin assured the Federal Government and Nigerians that the committee would carry out its duties diligently and deliver its report within the stipulated time frame.

PM News