The Federal Government has initiated an inquiry into the establishment of private universities over the past 15 years. This move follows a report by Daily Nigerian journalist, Umar Audu, which uncovered certificate fraud in Benin Republic and Togo.
A committee has been set up to investigate whether these universities have the necessary facilities, management structures, funding, and qualified staff. The public is invited to submit memoranda to assist the committee in its investigation.
The investigation was prompted by a report revealing how easy it was to obtain a degree in Benin Republic. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the launch of the investigation while inaugurating an Inter-Ministerial Committee on fake degrees.
The committee aims to review the roles of relevant government agencies in the recognition and procurement of fake certificates. It will also assess the procedures for accrediting foreign universities and programs, identify any unapproved foreign institutions operating in Nigeria, and recommend measures to prevent recurrence and sanction officials involved in irregularities.
