The House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry into the alleged certificate racketeering involving officials of Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Nigerian students. Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Certificate Racketeering, has pledged to address this issue, which he believes poses a significant threat to the healthcare system and various sectors of the economy. The committee convened in Abuja to discuss strategies to combat this menace in tertiary institutions.
Fulata stated that the House has directed its Committees on University Education, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Youth Development to investigate the matter and provide a report. He emphasized the importance of upholding rules, regulations, processes, and quality assurance in both public and private institutions. Fulata stressed the need to uncover the root causes of this illegal activity and find solutions, urging MDAs and stakeholders to cooperate with the committee's efforts.
The initiative follows a case involving a Nigerian reporter, Umar Audu, who allegedly obtained a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, within six weeks and subsequently participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Audu accused unnamed Ministry of Education officials of being part of the racketeering syndicate, sparking public outcry. Fulata urged the House to identify MDAs officials and students involved in such activities over the past decade.
