Reps Committee Visits YABATECH, Probes Certificate Racketeering, Commends Safeguards
By DAYO ADESULU | Lagos, Nigeria | October 2025
The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Tertiary Education has visited the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) as part of its ongoing national investigation into certificate racketeering, fake degrees, and academic malpractices across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The delegation, led by Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, member representing Birniwa/Guri/Kirikasamma Federal Constituency, Jigawa State, described the visit as a fact-finding mission aimed at strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s education system — not a witch-hunt.
Lawmakers Probe Certificate Fraud, Laud YABATECH’s Transparency
During the visit, Hon. Fulata cited recent reports of individuals allegedly acquiring fake degrees from foreign institutions — notably in the Republic of Benin — in record time without attending lectures or sitting for examinations.
He referenced the investigative report by journalist Umar Audu, who obtained a degree certificate in six weeks, had it authenticated by the Federal Ministry of Education, and was mobilized for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The revelations, he said, prompted the National Assembly to broaden its investigation to include admission procedures, certificate issuance, and verification systems in Nigerian institutions.
Commending YABATECH for its proactive stance against academic fraud, Fulata said the college’s internal safeguards demonstrate a commitment to integrity and quality education.
“We are here to identify weaknesses and strengthen the system, not to indict institutions that are doing the right thing,” Fulata said.
“YABATECH’s transparency and vigilance reflect the high standards expected of Nigeria’s oldest higher institution of technology.”
YABATECH Highlights Digital Safeguards Against Certificate Forgery
Responding, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of YABATECH, reaffirmed the college’s zero-tolerance for academic fraud and detailed several measures adopted to secure the institution’s credentials.
He disclosed that YABATECH has partnered with the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) to produce certificates with advanced security features, making forgery practically impossible.
“We have seen attempts by hackers and external actors to breach our admission systems,” Dr. Abdul revealed.
“We responded swiftly by strengthening our cybersecurity framework, restricting access to academic data, and sanctioning cybercafés implicated in fraudulent admissions.”
Registrar Outlines Strict Verification and Legal Enforcement
Mrs. Henrietta Badejo, Registrar of YABATECH, explained that the college operates a rigorous verification process for certificates and transcripts. Every verification request, she said, is cross-checked with official records, matriculation numbers, and academic histories.
She added that YABATECH has successfully prosecuted individuals presenting fake credentials, winning all related court cases thanks to its meticulous record-keeping system.
Committee Pledges Support for Institutional Integrity
Hon. Fulata assured the management that the House Committee will present a comprehensive report to the National Assembly recommending tighter inter-agency verification systems and enhanced oversight.
“We are determined to restore public confidence in Nigerian certificates and hold those responsible for fraud accountable,” he emphasized.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdul reaffirmed YABATECH’s readiness to cooperate fully with the National Assembly and other agencies to eliminate certificate racketeering and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
The session ended with a renewed call for stronger collaboration between government institutions, regulatory agencies, and law enforcement bodies to safeguard the credibility of tertiary education in Nigeria.
