The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, recently held a significant meeting with a reporter from Daily Nigerian, a renowned news outlet. The meeting marked the commencement of an investigation into alleged fraudulent practices in the expedited issuance of degrees at a Cotonou university, Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT).
The inquiry follows Daily Nigerian’s publication on December 30th, highlighting concerning revelations about the illicit awarding of degrees within incredibly short periods, allegedly sidestepping essential academic procedures such as application, registration, coursework, and examinations.
During the pivotal meeting at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, both parties deliberated on the details of the investigative report, with the ICPC aiming to delve deeper into the claims of corrupt practices and take necessary actions. In response to these grave allegations, the ICPC articulated its commitment to conducting a comprehensive probe to unearth the networks and individuals involved in such malpractices. The primary goal is to restore and safeguard the integrity of the educational system from the detrimental impact of academic fraud.
The ICPC further expressed its intent to collaborate closely with relevant domestic and international organizations to collectively scrutinize the authenticity of academic qualifications acquired from overseas institutions, particularly those implicated in the investigative report. This robust approach underscores the ICPC’s dedication to confronting the scourge of academic fraud and upholding the legitimacy of educational qualifications.
In a statement by ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, the commission called upon all stakeholders in the educational and governmental sectors to unite in this critical endeavor. The collaborative effort is pivotal in ensuring that the credibility of educational qualifications remains unassailable, and in eradicating the refuge of corruption within the educational landscape.
The ICPC’s proactive stance in tackling alleged academic fraud serves as a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity of education and upholding ethical standards. This concerted effort not only reinforces the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering societal ills but also underscores the imperative of collaborative action in combatting fraudulent practices that undermine the very foundation of the educational system.
