The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education has set up a committee to examine
activities of private universities established in the last 15years.

Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, yesterday, 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.”