Ministry of Education’s Inquiry
The Federal Ministry of Education recently commenced an investigation into degree fraud allegations, spanning both domestic and international private colleges across Nigeria.
Led by an interministerial committee comprising seven members, the probe aims to delve into these accusations over an extensive eight-week period.
Scope and Responsibility of the Committee
The committee, spearheaded by Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, has been tasked with scrutinizing potential involvement of various ministries, departments, or agencies (MDAs) and their employees in the procurement and verification of counterfeit certificates.
Composition and Objectives of the Investigation
Comprised of notable figures such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Youths Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, and JAMB Registrar Prof.
Ishaq Oloyede, the committee’s primary focus lies in evaluating private institutions established within the past 15 years. This evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of staffing, infrastructure, management, and program funding.
Additional Examination Beyond NUC Accreditation
While the National Universities Commission (NUC) regularly conducts accreditation processes, this inquiry seeks to ensure adherence to specific standards beyond routine assessments.
Focus on 147 Private Universities
The probe specifically targets the 147 operational private universities in Nigeria, with a significant proportion—107—established within the past 15 years.
A comprehensive list of these institutions has been made public for governmental scrutiny.
Thorough Examination of Listed Universities
The investigation involves an extensive evaluation of each named university, aiming to examine their credibility, operational standards, and compliance with educational norms and regulations.