Fulata leads house probe into certificate racketeering in tertiary institutions

DDM News

A Joint Committee of the House of Representatives has called for urgent action against certificate racketeering in Nigeria.

Hon. Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa State) made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reviled.

He spoke during a meeting with the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullah Ribadu.

Fulata, who represents Birniwa/Guri/Kiri-Kasamma Federal Constituency, emphasized the House’s determination to eliminate fraudulent degree issuance in Nigeria.

The joint committee includes members from the Committees on University Education, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Youth and Sports Development, Federal Polytechnics, and Federal Colleges of Education.

Fulata announced plans to organize a public investigative hearing on the issue.

The investigation follows a House resolution mandating the committee to probe certificate racketeering.

The resolution stemmed from a motion raised in response to an undercover journalist’s investigation.

The journalist allegedly obtained a degree certificate within six months from a university in the Benin Republic.

The journalist then used the certificate to enroll in Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Fulata condemned the act, stating that it exposed serious loopholes in the country’s education and verification systems.

He stressed that fraudulent certificate acquisition damages the integrity of Nigeria’s education sector.

The committee is taking proactive steps to identify culprits and implement necessary reforms.

Fulata confirmed that letters have been sent to relevant organizations requesting their submissions ahead of the public hearing.

These organizations include the Ministry of Education, the NUC, and the Committee of Vice Chancellors.

Others include JAMB, NYSC, the Immigration Service, and all public and private universities.

Fulata emphasized that input from these agencies will help in formulating effective policies to curb certificate fraud.

The lawmaker reiterated the importance of international collaboration in tackling cross-border certificate racketeering.

He mentioned that communication has also been established with the Republic of Benin’s Ministry of Higher and Scientific Education.

The committee is determined to prevent foreign institutions from issuing certificates to unqualified individuals.

Fulata stated that necessary legislative measures will be taken to end certificate racketeering permanently.

He warned that any institution or official found complicit will face severe consequences.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Ribadu assured lawmakers that the NUC will prioritize quality education.

He noted that while Nigeria continues to expand its higher education sector, academic standards must not be compromised.

The NUC will work closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen regulatory mechanisms.

Fulata reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to restoring credibility to Nigeria’s education system.

The committee will soon announce the date for the public hearing.

He urged the public to support the investigation by providing relevant information.

The House remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

By taking decisive action, Fulata and his committee aim to put an end to certificate fraud in Nigeria.

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