The Joint House of Representatives Committee on Education has invited Vice Chancellors of some private universities across the country to make presentations on alleged sharp practices in the system.
The Committee is investigating alleged claims of certificate racketeering by some of these private institutions.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa), on Wednesday in Abuja.
Hon. Fulata listed the affected institutions to include: Igbinedion University, Edo; Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun and Al-Hikma University, Ilorin, Kwara.
Others are: Trinity University, Ogun; Wesley University, Ondo; Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers; Elrazi Medical University, Kano State; Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun and Venite University, Iloro, Ekiti.
Caleb University, Ikorodu, Lagos State; Obong University, Akwa-Ibom and University of Mkar, Mkar, Gboko, Benue are also expected to appear before the panel.
According to the statement, Fulata stated that the invitation had become necessary in view of the allegations that some private universities had become “certificate mills.”
He pointed out that the Vice Chancellors are expected to appear for the investigative public hearing on June 2.
Fulata stated that the House had mandated the Committee to carry out investigations into alleged certificate racketeering among some private universities in the country.
This is coming on the heels of the testimony of DAILY NIGERIAN investigative journalist, Umar Audu.
Audu, had reported that he got a degree certificate from a university in Benin Republic within six months instead of four years. And that he was also mobilized for NYSC scheme even when he had earlier served in 2019.
The Committee Chairman pointed out that illicitly acquiring degree certificates was not only illegal, but very dangerous to the well-being of citizens.
This is as he described such practices as a threat to the future and the socio-economic development of the country.
Fulata noted that the Committee would do whatever is within its power to clean the universities of sharp practices.
He pointed out that some heads of government agencies, including Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs as well as Director-General of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, had appeared before the Committee and made their submissions on the development.
source: NAN