FG crackdown on fraud in education sector, parading fake certificates of 21,600 students
The Federal Government has revealed that a significant number of students, specifically 21,600, are in possession of fake certificates obtained from degree mills in countries like Benin Republic and Togo.
This revelation was made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a press briefing on his one-year achievements in the ministry.
Mamman highlighted that Togo alone has 1,105 students holding fake certificates. In response to this issue, the government established an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee to look into the activities of these certificate racketeers.
The decision to address the problem of fake degrees from both Nigerian and foreign universities was made in order to clean up the education system.
The Minister further stated that steps are being taken to remove individuals with fake certificates from these institutions.
He emphasised that only three universities in Togo and five institutions in Benin Republic hold official approval and licensing to offer degree courses.
As part of addressing the challenges faced by tertiary institutions, President Bola Tinubu approved the initiative of powering these institutions using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Additionally, the Ministry has successfully returned about four million out-of-school children to the education system within the last year.
This achievement was made possible through the efforts of agencies under the ministry, such as the Almajiri Commission.
READ ALSO: FG suspends accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic, Togo
Mamman also mentioned the committee set up with UNESCO and the World Bank to reform the policy for teachers’ support, welfare, and development.
In terms of student safety, especially in light of the recent school collapse in Jos, the Ministry plans to collaborate with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering (COREN) to inspect school facilities nationwide and prevent any sharp practices by building contractors.
Efforts are also being made to address the needs of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in order to prevent any impending strike actions.
Overall, the government is actively working to improve the education system, address issues of fake certificates, ensure student safety, and provide support to educational institutions to create a more conducive learning environment. (NAN)
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