Crime

3,000 fake graduates face prosecution__FG

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 8th, 2024.

3,000 fake graduates face prosecution__FG

The Federal Government has confirmed an ongoing investigation into the 3,000 alleged ‘fake’ graduates recently identified by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Minister of State for Education, Tanko Sununu, announced the probe to The Nation, stating that those found guilty would face prosecution for forgery.

Sununu also mentioned that the panel investigating degree fraud in foreign and private universities has completed its report. He revealed that these ‘fake’ graduates were part-time students who illegitimately gained access to regular programs.

“Investigation is ongoing, and those identified will be prosecuted accordingly,” he said. The 3,000 individuals in question were part-time students who falsified their admission status to qualify for national service under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Sununu emphasized that forgery is a punishable offense and the ministry will ensure all due processes are followed for prosecution.

The minister added that the recommendations from a seven-member panel on degree racketeering in foreign and private universities would soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“The committee’s report has been submitted, containing numerous recommendations requiring FEC approval. The report will be presented to the FEC for a decision soon,” he said. Many of these fraudulent degrees come from institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo, which are not legally recognized in Nigeria. Once the FEC reviews the report, it will be implemented immediately.

Sununu stressed the importance of genuine educational qualifications for national development. “The only way to secure our education system is by ensuring certificates are obtained from recognized institutions, both locally and internationally. Fake certificates pose a serious threat to Nigeria.”

He warned that those with fraudulent qualifications lack the skills and knowledge needed for economic development, making it imperative to address this issue.

JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, also confirmed the ongoing investigation into some of the ‘fake’ graduates. “Some of them are being investigated. Any detailed discussion on this matter would compromise our efforts,” he said.

Previously, Oloyede had criticized illegal admissions during a meeting with the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN), describing them as a source of embarrassment. He noted that those involved in these acts had never attended a legitimate classroom.