The chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, has met with undercover reporter, Umar Audu, following the latter’s report on fake degrees given by some universities in Benin and Togo.
Thelagostimes recalls that DAILY NIGERIAN, in an article released on December 30, 2023, revealed how corrupt government employees enabled the fraudulent business of certificate racketeering.
According to the article, reporter Umar Audu of Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, Cotonou, Benin Republic, “finished” the four-year curriculum in less than two months.
In a statement released on its website, the ICPC noted that the ICPC Chairman convened a critical meeting today at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja with the reporter.
“They discussed the outlet’s December 30th 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 (ESGT) 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,” the statement reads in part.
The commission further noted that the probe will rigorously examine the networks and individuals engaged in these malpractices, with the objective of restoring and preserving the integrity of the country’s educational system.
“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 endeavor. Together, we can work towards a future where the credibility of our educational qualifications is unimpeachable, and where corruption finds no refuge”, the statement added.