The Federal Government has announced plans to investigate allegations of fake degree certificates allegedly issued by some private universities across Nigeria.
The decision follows revelations from an investigative report that exposed widespread certificate fraud involving institutions in neighbouring Benin Republic and Togo.
Authorities disclosed that the planned investigation would focus on private universities established within the last 15 years, a period during which more than 100 institutions reportedly received licenses to operate.
To address the issue, the Federal Government constituted an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling, tasked with assessing whether recently established private universities meet the required standards for operation.
According to the committee, the investigation will evaluate whether these institutions possess adequate facilities, sound administrative structures, sustainable funding, and qualified academic personnel, including full-time and contract staff.
Officials clarified that the exercise would not interfere with the routine accreditation duties carried out by the National Universities Commission (NUC), but would instead complement ongoing quality assurance efforts within the education sector.
The committee also invited members of the public to submit relevant information that could assist in identifying irregularities and recommending solutions to curb certificate fraud.
The move comes after an investigative report by Daily Nigerian journalist Umar Audu, published in late 2023, revealed how he reportedly obtained a university degree from the Benin Republic within six weeks and subsequently enrolled in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme using the certificate.
In response to the findings, the Federal Government announced on January 9, 2024, its intention to intensify scrutiny of institutions linked to degree racketeering and fraudulent certifications.
Speaking during the inauguration of the investigative committee in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, emphasized the government’s commitment to sanitizing the education system and tackling the activities of degree mills.
Chairman of the committee, Jibrila Amin, stated that the panel would also investigate the involvement of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including officials who may have facilitated the procurement or recognition of fake certificates.
Additionally, the committee is expected to review existing procedures for the accreditation and recognition of foreign universities and academic programmes by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Investigators will also determine whether unauthorized foreign institutions or degree mills are operating within Nigeria and identify their locations if found.
At the conclusion of its work, the committee is expected to recommend reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s accreditation system, improving quality assurance in higher education, and preventing future cases of certificate fraud.
The panel will also assess existing guidelines used by the National Universities Commission for granting provisional licenses to new universities and recommend sanctions where necessary.
