*Pix above: ICPC investigators in action
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Followlng the undercover investigation conducted by a Nigerian newspaper which exposed the activity of a degree mill in Cotonou, a major city of Benin Republic, the Nigerian Government through the Federal Ministry of Education, on Tuesday, announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo.
According to the investigation, the investigative reporter bagged a degree from Cotonou University within six weeks and also participated in the mandatory one-year scheme organised by the National Youth Service Corps.
Here is a list of foreign universities banned by the National Universities Commission, according to data from the website of the NUC.
1. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
2. Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
3. The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
4. Collumbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
5. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
6. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
7. London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
8. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
9. West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
10. EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
11. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
12. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
13. Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
14. University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
15. Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
16. African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
17. Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
18. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
…As ICPC chairman begins probe into six-week rapid degree programme, meets undercover reporter
Meanwhile, Nigerian anti-corruption agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has opened an investigation into the University degree that was allegedly awarded to a Nigerian undercover reporter in Cotonou, Benin Republic, within six weeks.
–Dr Musa Aliyu, ICPC Chairman
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.
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.
This follows the investigative report by Daily Nigerian Newspaper titled, “How Daily Nigerian reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks”.
https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.609.1_en.html#goog_1514185636 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./PLEASE SHARE
