A parliamentary committee in Nigeria has called for equal punishment for individuals involved in certificate forgery after touring several higher institutions in Lagos. Led by Chairman Rep. Abubakar Fulata, the committee visited the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, Caleb University, and Lagos State University to investigate alleged certificate racketeering. The probe was prompted by a resolution of the House of Representatives, which was sparked by an investigative journalist’s exposé on the issue.
Fulata expressed concern that the proliferation of fake certificates undermines the credibility of Nigerian universities. He noted that, in the past, students had to study hard and pass required examinations to earn their degree certificates, but nowadays some individuals seek to obtain certificates through illegal means. While certificate forgery is often perpetrated by individuals, the situation worsens when university management and staff are complicit in the crime. The lawmaker urged university administrators to enhance the security features of certificates to facilitate easy verification.
The chairman also highlighted the consequences of certificate forgery, citing instances where individuals with fake certificates are unable to defend their claimed areas of study or even write their names properly, despite being mobilized for national service. The committee’s call for equal punishment for accomplices aims to address the growing concern about the integrity of Nigerian universities. By advocating for stricter measures against certificate forgery, the committee seeks to protect the reputation of Nigerian institutions and ensure that degree holders possess the necessary skills and knowledge. The investigation and subsequent recommendations are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen the quality and credibility of education in Nigeria.
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