The National Universities Commission (NUC) has inaugurated a reconstituted Committee on Degree Mills to combat the proliferation of illegal tertiary institutions within Nigeria’s university system.
The committee was inaugurated by the NUC Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, who said the initiative is aimed at strengthening regulatory actions against institutions issuing unapproved or fraudulent university degrees.
Ribadu said the committee would reinforce the commission’s efforts to protect the integrity and credibility of university education in the country.
The committee is chaired by the NUC Director of Inspection and Monitoring, Justina Emerole, and includes representatives from key directorates within the commission.
According to the NUC, the committee’s responsibilities include identifying and investigating suspected degree mills, verifying claims of affiliation with local and foreign universities, and gathering evidence for possible prosecution.
It will also work with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to shut down illegal institutions and prosecute offenders.
The commission added that the committee will also conduct public awareness campaigns and recommend policy measures aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
