The Federal Government has initiated an investigation into private universities established in the last 15 years. This move comes after an investigative report by Daily Nigerian journalist Umar Audu exposed certificate racketeering in Benin Republic and Togo.
It has been revealed that over 107 private universities were established within the specified time frame. The Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling, set up by the Federal Government, will examine whether these universities have the required facilities, appropriate management structures, adequate funding for programs, and the right staff composition.
The committee's probe is "without prejudice to the periodic accreditation exercise of the National Universities Commission." It has called on the general public to provide information to assist in making appropriate recommendations to address the issue.
The investigation was triggered by an undercover report in December 2023, where journalist Umar Audu obtained a degree within six weeks from Benin Republic and participated in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme in Nigeria.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the investigation while inaugurating the Inter-Ministerial Committee on fake degrees and activities of degree mills. The Committee Chairman, Jibrila Amin, stated that the committee would review the role of government agencies or officials in facilitating the recognition and procurement of fake certificates, as well as examine the rules and procedures for recognizing and accrediting foreign universities and programs.
The committee will also identify unapproved foreign institutions (Degree Mills) in Nigeria and make recommendations to prevent future occurrences. Additionally, it will suggest measures to strengthen the system of recognition, accreditation, and quality assurance of degrees in Nigeria.
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