The Nigerian government has taken a major step to address the proliferation of fake university degrees by inaugurating an eight-man inter-ministerial committee. The committee’s mandate is to investigate the activities of private universities established within the last 15 years, with a focus on degree certificate racketeering by both foreign and local universities in Nigeria.
In a bid to sanitize the education system and safeguard the integrity of educational qualifications, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, SAN, announced the committee’s inauguration in Abuja. The decision was prompted by the uncovering of fraudulent practices through a revealing undercover report titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in six weeks, participated in NYSC scheme.” This investigative piece exposed the unethical practices of mushroom universities in neighboring African countries selling degrees.
Prof. J.D. Amin, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, heads the committee. The minister stressed the committee’s crucial role in identifying private universities operating outside legal frameworks, emphasizing that legal action will be taken against both the institutions and individuals involved in these illicit activities.
The committee comprises members from various government agencies, including the National Universities Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the National Security Advisor, Federal Ministry of Youth and Development, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, and the Federal Ministry of Justice. Their primary objective is to thoroughly investigate and make recommendations to prevent the recurrence of such fraudulent practices.
The terms of reference for the committee are comprehensive, focusing on evaluating the role of government agencies and officials in facilitating the recognition and procurement of fake certificates, reviewing existing accreditation and certification policies, and identifying weaknesses contributing to the issue. The committee is also tasked with examining the recognition and accreditation of foreign universities by the Federal Ministry of Education, as well as assessing the establishment and operations of private universities in the last 15 years.
Minister Mamman reiterated the importance of maintaining the quality and global standards of educational certifications, emphasizing that while Nigerian citizens seek foreign qualifications, the certifications must meet stringent quality benchmarks.
Furthermore, Mamman highlighted the government’s efforts to increase access to higher education, with over 146 private universities approved since 2009 to accommodate the growing demand for university education in Nigeria.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Mamman underscored that individuals found to possess fake certificates would face severe consequences, including dismissal and legal actions.
In closing, the minister urged the committee to carry out its duties diligently and without fear, assuring them of the ministry’s unwavering support. He emphasized that the investigation aimed to address systemic challenges and was not intended to target individuals unjustly.
The government’s decisive action through the inauguration of the inter-ministerial committee reflects its commitment to upholding the integrity of educational qualifications and combating fraudulent practices within the higher education sector.
