The Joint House Committee investigating alleged certificate racketeering has summoned Vice Chancellors of nine private universities to appear for an investigative hearing on June 2, 2025.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by Committee Chairman Abubakar Fulata, the summoned institutions include Igbinedion University (Edo State), Babcock University (Ogun State), Al-Hikma University (Kwara State), Trinity University (Ogun State), Wesley University (Ondo State), Wigwe University (Rivers State), Elrazi Medical University (Kano State), Christopher University (Ogun State), and Venite University (Ekiti State).
The investigation follows allegations that some private universities are operating as "certificate mills" - institutions that issue academic credentials without requiring proper academic work or attendance.
Background of the Investigation
The House committee was mandated to investigate certificate racketeering after testimony from an investigative journalist who claimed to have obtained a degree certificate from a university in Benin Republic within six months instead of the standard four years. The journalist was reportedly mobilized for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) despite having already served in 2019.
Fulata emphasized that several government agencies have already appeared before the committee, including representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NYSC, and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
"The act of illicitly getting a degree certificate is not only illegal but very dangerous to the wellbeing of citizens and the socio-economic development of the country," Fulata stated. He added that the committee is determined to "rid the universities of illicit and sharp practices."
The investigation comes amid growing concerns about academic integrity and the quality of higher education in Nigeria, with particular focus on the operations of some private institutions.
The June 2 hearing is expected to shed light on the allegations and potentially lead to reforms in the oversight of private universities in the country.
