ICPC Begins Probe Of Award Of University Degree Within Six Weeks

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has commenced an investigation into the University degree that was allegedly awarded to a Nigerian undercover reporter in Cotonou, Benin Republic, within six weeks.

The anti-graft agency has also called upon stakeholders in government and in the education sector to join hands in finding a solution to the alleged fraud.

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The spokesperson for the ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, in a statement on Tuesday, said the ICPC chairman, Musa Aliyu, met with the Daily Nigerian reporter at the ICPC headquarters on Tuesday.

The Daily Nigerian reporter had brought up the alleged rot in the award of degree by universities in the two neighbouring countries.

Ogugua said, “To verify details and move beyond speculation, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa 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 30 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 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 to restore and preserve our educational system’s integrity.

“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 endeavour. Together, we can work towards a future where the credibility of our educational qualifications is unimpeachable and where corruption finds no refuge.”

Following the allegation, the Federal Goverment had pronounced suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo while NANS which is the umbrella body for all Nigerian students had urged the Federal Government to reconsider its decision on a blanket suspension.

According to the government, the suspension persists pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria and the two countries, as well as the Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps, ValidViewNetwork reports.