The chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, has met with undercover reporter, Umar Audu, after the latter uncovered fake degrees given by mushroom universities in Benin and Togo.
While meeting the reporter, the ICPC sought information from him to help the anti-graft agency look into the academic fraud.
Recall that DAILY NIGERIAN in an article released on December 30, 2023, revealed how corrupt government employees enabled the fraudulent business of certificate racketeering.
According to the article, reporter Umar Audu of Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, Cotonou, Benin Republic, “finished” the four-year curriculum in less than two months.
He was able to get the certificate without having to apply, register, study, or take any tests.
Despite the reporter never crossing any Nigerian borders, an immigration officer managed to get his passport stamped by both Nigerian and Beninois immigration officials so that he could participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
A statement by ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, reads: “To verify details and move beyond speculation, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, convened a critical meeting today at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja with a reporter from a news outlet,”
“They discussed the outlet’s December 30th report on alleged corrupt practices in rapid degree issuance at a Cotonou university, aiming to deepen the investigation and initiate relevant actions.
“The investigation into Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT) in Cotonou reveals a concerning situation where degrees are allegedly awarded in as little as six weeks, bypassing standard academic procedures like application, registration, coursework, and examinations.
“In response to these critical allegations, the ICPC is embarking on a thorough investigation. This probe will rigorously examine the networks and individuals engaged in these malpractices, with the objective of restoring and preserving the integrity of our educational system.
“Furthermore, the Commission will engage in a synergistic collaboration with relevant domestic and international bodies to jointly evaluate the legitimacy of academic qualifications procured from overseas institutions, especially those highlighted in the investigative report.
“The ICPC calls upon all stakeholders in the educational and governmental sectors to join hands in this critical endeavor. Together, we can work towards a future where the credibility of our educational qualifications is unimpeachable, and where corruption finds no refuge.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru suspended accreditation of degrees from Benin and Togo.
THE NATION
