The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu, has extended an invitation to the investigative journalist who uncovered a purported degree certificate fraud in neighboring countries.
This move comes in the wake of the Federal Government’s suspension of certificates from two francophone West African countries, prompted by the journalist’s report outlining how a university in Benin Republic allegedly granted a degree within a mere two months.
The journalist’s scrutiny of Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT) in Cotonou brought to light a disconcerting scenario where degrees are claimed to be conferred in as little as six weeks, sidestepping conventional academic processes such as application, registration, coursework, and examinations.
In an official statement by ICPC’s Director of Press, Azuka Ogugua, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the purpose of the invitation is to discuss the story published on December 30 by the journalist, shedding light on corrupt practices at a Cotonou university. The meeting aims to deepen the ongoing investigation and set in motion pertinent actions against those implicated in the certificate scandal.
“The probe will rigorously examine the networks and individuals engaged in these malpractices, with the objective of restoring and preserving the integrity of our educational system,” stated the Commission.
Furthermore, the ICPC emphasized its commitment to collaborative efforts, intending to work closely with relevant domestic and international entities to jointly assess the authenticity of academic qualifications obtained from overseas institutions, particularly those highlighted in the investigative report. The agency urged all stakeholders in the educational and governmental sectors to unite in this crucial endeavor.
