Almost two months after the panel set up by the Federal Government to probe alleged certificate racketeering by some universities within and outside the country submitted its report, some critical stakeholders in the sector have called on the government to expedite work on it and make public the findings of the committee.
The stakeholders, students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS and parents under the umbrella of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, NAPTAN, are of the view that suspending the recognition of certificates issued by universities in Benin, Togo among others, is putting the future of Nigerians studying there in jeopardy.
The Deputy National President of NAPTAN, Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, said, “We appeal to the federal government to expedite action on the matter. It is affecting so many students. It is not all the universities in those countries that are not accredited. They must fast track the process. If the committee has concluded its work, the decision should be taken on time and whatever is the next line of action followed. The students need to know their fate and be able to move on.
“We cannot throw away the baby with the bath water. Nigerians studying in those countries are not having rest of mind, since they don’t know what would become of their efforts in the end. That kind of situation is not helpful to them and their sponsors.”
Alao, Comrade Joshua Olakunle, the Director, NANS – West Africa Affairs, opined that some Nigerians have studied in those countries and have proven that they could hold their heads high among their peers in the society.
“We acknowledge that some Nigerian universities have also been accused of certificate racketeering and other misconduct, yet the government has not taken similar action. In fact, some Nigerian universities are not accredited, and this has not led to a suspension of their certificates. We urge the government to address the issues in our own universities rather than targeting foreign institutions.
“Despite the odds, some institutions in Benin Republic and Togo are making reasonable efforts to develop their facilities. We commend the Benin National Government for its efforts to harmonize and sanitize the sub-sector through policies such as “shutdown any erring” university, compulsory French Language studies, and accreditation of courses.
“However, we are concerned that the suspension of certificates will not address the root causes of the problem. Instead, we propose a collaborative approach to regulate and upgrade university education in the sub-region. This will strengthen regional cooperation and improve education standards.
“It is ironic that Nigerian students are seeking education in neighbouring countries due to the absence of alternatives in Nigeria. Out of over two million youths seeking admission into Nigerian universities yearly, only 500,000 – 700,000 gain admission. This has led to a brain drain, with many students seeking education in Benin Republic and Togo.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a listening father, to consider the future of these young Nigerians and intervene in this matter. We request that the government works with ECOWAS countries to regulate and upgrade university education in the sub-region, rather than ostracizing graduates of Benin and Togo universities.
“We note with interest the statement by the Minister for Education that they are done with their report and will do the needful in a month. We urge the Minister to keep to his word and ensure that the report is implemented swiftly. Nigerian students in Benin Republic and Togo are eagerly waiting for a resolution to this issue, and any further delay will only exacerbate their plight.”
Recall that the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, set up a panel to probe the allegation that some universities in Benin Republic sell their certificates to interested buyers.
The six-man Committee, headed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees(BOTs) Committee of Vice-Chancellors, Professor J. D. Amin, had as members the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr Chris Maiyaki and representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Youths, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.
The Terms of Reference for the committee were to examine the veracity of the allegations of degree certificate racketeering within both foreign and local private universities in Nigeria.
The Committee was also expected to review the role of any Ministry, Department and Agencies (MDA) or its officials; including identifying such officials in facilitation of the recognition and procurement of the fake certificate in question.
The committee’s terms of reference also included reviewing existing policies and procedures related to accreditation and certification to identify weaknesses contributing to the issue.
Other terms included, “Examine the rules, procedures and processes for recognition and accreditation of foreign universities and programmes by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Establish if unapproved foreign institutions (Degree Mills) exist or not in Nigeria in whatever form with their identities and locations, if any among others.
