The Joint Committee of the House of Representatives investigating alleged certificate racketeering has summoned vice-chancellors of several private universities to address concerns over reported irregularities within the system.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Abubakar Fulata (APC–Jigawa), issued a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, announcing the invitation.
According to Fulata, the affected institutions include Igbinedion University (Edo), Babcock University (Ilisan-Remo, Ogun), and Al-Hikma University (Ilorin, Kwara). Others listed are Trinity University (Ogun), Wesley University (Ondo), Wigwe University (Isiokpo, Rivers), Elrazi Medical University (Kano), Christopher University (Mowe, Ogun), and Venite University (Iloro, Ekiti).
Also expected to appear are Caleb University (Ikorodu, Lagos), Obong University (Akwa Ibom), and the University of Mkar (Mkar, Gboko, Benue).
Fulata explained that the summons became necessary in light of mounting allegations that some private universities have devolved into “certificate mills.”
He stated that the vice-chancellors are expected to appear before the committee for an investigative public hearing scheduled for 2 June.
The House mandated the investigation following revelations by investigative journalist Umar Audu, who claimed he obtained a degree from a university in the Benin Republic within six months rather than the standard four years, and was subsequently mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), despite having previously completed the programme in 2019.
Fulata described the illegal acquisition of degrees as a serious threat to national development and public safety. He stressed that such malpractices jeopardise the future of the country and its socio-economic prospects.
He added that the committee remains committed to sanitising the higher education sector and would pursue all necessary measures to eliminate sharp practices.
The lawmaker further noted that key stakeholders, including the Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs, the Director-General of the NYSC, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), had already appeared before the panel to present their submissions.
