The House of Representatives on 27th March 2024, initiated an investigation into the suspected involvement of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs in Nigeria in an alleged scheme of certificate racketeering among Nigerian students.
The decision to probe arose following a motion presented by Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata (APC, Jigawa), prompted by a scandal involving Umar Audu, a journalist who undercover acquired a certificate and transcript from Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT) in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and subsequently participated in the NYSC scheme within a month.
Hon. Fulata, in presenting the motion, recounted how the journalist unveiled that the scheme was orchestrated with the active participation and connivance of officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and the National Youth Service Corps.
In moving the motion Hon Fulata stated;
Aware that the Federal Ministry of Education authenticates all the certificates obtained abroad before allowing participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Also aware that Officials of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) ensure due process and compliance at all levels with national and international protocols, processes, and rules before, during and after obtaining any certificates.
Concerned that the recent development has not only put a question mark on the quality of the certificates and capacity of graduates from these universities but has also tarnished the image of the country’s educational system.
Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata – APC, Jigawa
He stressed the importance of the Federal Ministry of Education’s role in authenticating foreign certificates before graduates are permitted to participate in the NYSC scheme, emphasizing the necessity for MDAs to adhere to due process and compliance with national and international protocols in obtaining certificates.
The recent developments have raised concerns not only about the credibility of certificates and the competence of graduates from these institutions but also about the reputation of Nigeria’s educational system.
Story: Christy Dung