The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched a thorough investigation into the reported issuance of a University degree to a Nigerian undercover reporter within six weeks at the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies in Cotonou, Benin Republic. The anti-graft agency has called upon stakeholders in government and the education sector to join forces in addressing the alleged fraudulent practices.
In a statement released on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson Azuka Ogugua disclosed that ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, convened a critical meeting with a reporter from Daily Nigerian at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja. The meeting aimed to verify details and move beyond speculation regarding the report published on December 30, 2023, exposing corrupt practices in the rapid issuance of degrees at the Cotonou university.
The investigation has uncovered a concerning situation where degrees are allegedly awarded in an expedited manner, circumventing standard academic procedures such as application, registration, coursework, and examinations. In response to these critical allegations, the ICPC is committed to a thorough inquiry that will scrutinize the networks and individuals involved in these malpractices, with the goal of restoring and preserving the integrity of the educational system.
The ICPC emphasizes its dedication to a comprehensive investigation, intending to initiate relevant actions and address the reported corruption in academic processes. Additionally, the commission plans to collaborate with relevant domestic and international bodies to jointly assess the legitimacy of academic qualifications obtained from overseas institutions, especially those highlighted in the investigative report.
The ICPC called upon all stakeholders in the educational and governmental sectors to unite in this critical endeavor. The agency emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure a future where the credibility of educational qualifications remains unimpeachable, and corruption finds no refuge within the educational system.