News
Certificate Racketeering: FG Urged To Address Systemic Corruption
The federal government has been urged to address the fundamental causes of certificate racketeering and tackle the prevalence of “degree mills” in the country.
The call follows an investigative report by Daily Nigeria Newspaper reporter Umar Audu, revealing how he obtained a degree within six weeks and even embarked on a mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
The federal government had set up a probe panel while suspending the evaluation of certificates from over 18 varsities while the investigation lasted.
Professor Magdalene Igbolo led the latest call for the federal government to frontally and holistically tackle certificate racketeering during an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Prof. Igbolo stated that the government of the day must seize the moment to address the root causes of certificate fraud not only at the university level but at every other level. The administration should also beam the searchlight on the operation of every degree-awarding institution in the country.
She noted that if the nation must survive the challenges rocking the education sector, then it must address “systemic corruption” while calling on the federal government’s committee probing degree certificate racketeering to thoroughly question the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), Ministry of Education, National University Commission (NUC) and others on why people can easily purchase the certificate.
“For somebody to be in Nigeria and get a certificate within six weeks, it is something that we need to worry about. This is not only happening in Benin or Togo; it is happening right inside Nigeria.
“We need to address the root causes of this problem, and the root cause is in the system. We have people who carry fake WAEC results and get admission into the university; we have people who don’t write jamb, and they get admission into the university. We have people who didn’t sit in class for one day, and they get degrees. So how did it happen? It is people that are helping these people to get these things done.
“We need to address the fundamental issue of corruption in the system. All of these are happening because there is corruption in the system. People can buy and sell degrees. We need to get the system to function,” Prof. Igbolo said.
She called on NYSC, NUC, Ministry of Education and other degree awarding institutions to use technology to combat fake certificates and operations of degree mill universities while cautioning against too much emphasis on paper qualification rather than competence.
“The root cause of all of these is corruption. Now, all the regulatory bodies and institutions must rise and do their work. We need to put systems in place to check all these things,” Prof. Igbolo stated.
Towing the same line, the Head of the Department of History and International Studies, Associate Professor Nwachukwu Obiakor, called on NUC, NYSC, and the Ministry of Education to collaborate in waging war against certificate racketeering.
While lamenting that buying and selling of certificates was an age-long problem in Nigeria, Prof. Obiakor said the latest revelation on degree mills provides the avenue for the government to study all universities in the country.
He said, “The federal government started the process by suspending the degrees of all universities around. First of all, this university is a case study, so they should identify the university, then let the University also partner with the committee and the relevant government agency, that is, the Ministry of Education, to verify all certificates being awarded to Nigerians”.
Prof. Obiakor, however, advised that the emphasis should shift from certificate to skill acquisition and competence going forward.
Narrating his ordeal earlier, Daily Nigerian reporter Umar Audu identified the institutionalization of corruption as the greatest weakness of the system in Nigeria.
“The weakness of our system lies in the fact that corruption has been institutionalized. We have a serious problem: there are people within the system who are cheating the system to make certificate acquisition and cheating easy for undeserving people to get what they didn’t work for, and they go about parading it and work in top institutions in the country,” Audu stressed.
Meanwhile, Nigerians await a report from an eight-man inter-ministerial committee set up by the federal government to probe degree certificate racketeering by foreign and local private universities in Nigeria.
Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.
News
RUN Set to Mobilize Millions of Youth for Tinubu/Akpabio Ahead of 2027
Following the conclusion of party primaries, Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) as a civil society group championing the cause of all youths and middle age citizens has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory in the presidential primaries recently held.
RUN also congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging unopposed and the wild jubilation that greeted his victory as the Senator representing his constituency, the good people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
In a press release signed by Amb. Solomon Adodo and made available to journalists, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group described the win of the duo as beam of hope for Nigeria beyond 2027.
According to him, “the win of Asiwaju and Akpabio signals a beam of hope for Nigeria that beyond 2027, we shall be consolidating on the gains of synergetic partnership between the legislature and the executive as a precursor for rapid development.
“The support extended to Mr. President by the Senate President has yielded significant strides in fasttracking development across all parameters that affect national productivity”
The group therefore called on all Nigerians to come out in their numbers to support the president while outlining series programs with potentials to foster national unity across regional and religious lines.
“As a group representing the interests of Nigeria youths, we are determined to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President towards improving the skill set of Nigeria youths towards increased productivity and an end to unemployment”, the release stated.
The group expressed confidence in the possibility of a new Nigeria of our dreams with the victories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio who will definitely be handed a second term as the Senate President “to continue synergizing with Mr. President for a better Nigeria”.
News
HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI
The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.
News
EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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