Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, yesterday, set up a committee to review activities of private universities established in the last 15 years.
Mamman said the move would show if the private institutions under investigation have in place requisite facilities, adequate management structure and funding of programmes, among others.
He observed that the inter-ministerial committee raised to investigate the activities of illegal universities will also examine, “the veracity of the allegations of degree certificate racketeering within both foreign and local private universities in Nigeria.”
Giving it eight weeks to submit its report, the minister charged the panel headed by Chairman, Board of Trustees, Committee of Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Jibrila Amin, to examine the rules, procedures and processes for recognition and accreditation of foreign universities and programmes by the Federal Ministry of Education.
While outlining the functions of the committee, Mamman said: “Review the role of any MDA (Ministry, Department and Agency) or its officials (including identifying such officials) in facilitation of the recognition and procurement of the fake certificate in question.
“Review existing policies and procedures relating to accreditation and certification to identify weaknesses contributing to the issue; examine the rules, procedures and processes for recognition and accreditation of foreign universities and programmes by the Federal Ministry of Education.
“Establish if unapproved foreign institutions (degree mills) exist or not in Nigeria in whatever form with their identities and locations if any.
“Make appropriate recommendations for review of any rule, procedure and process to prevent re-occurrence and sanctions for identified erring officials.
“Make other recommendation (s) that will strengthen the system of recognition, accreditation and quality assurance of degrees in Nigeria.”
