Allegations of 100 Fake Professors in Nigerian Universities Resurface
NUC's Revelation Sparks Controversy
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Recent revelations by the National Universities Commission (NUC) concerning the identification of around 100 alleged fake professors in Nigerian universities have reignited discussions on the state of academia in the country. This controversy, initially disclosed by the NUC's Executive Secretary Abubakar Rasheed, has led to various reactions, including outrage, denials, and calls for further investigation.
NUC's Unveiling:
The NUC's announcement, made during the annual retreat for Vice-Chancellors of all universities held between October 28 and November 5, 2019, revealed that the details of these so-called 'fake professors' were posted on the commission's website. The commission urged universities to verify the authenticity of their faculty members, emphasizing the need for accurate statistics to maintain the integrity of the academic system.
Response to the Viral List:
The news of the alleged fake professors went viral in January 2024, causing an uproar on social media. Reports suggest that the list was initially published in December 2019, resurfacing in the wake of a separate scandal involving the sale of university degrees in neighboring countries like Benin Republic.
Outrage and Skepticism:
The circulation of the list led to widespread outrage and skepticism. Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, took to social media to express his concerns. He called for the NUC to go beyond allegations and publish the details of individuals deemed fake professors, questioning the credibility of the report.
Universities' Denials:
Several universities named in the viral list swiftly denied the allegations. Institutions such as the University of Lagos, University of Ilorin, Covenant University, and Ekiti State University disclaimed the presence of the listed individuals in their staff, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining high standards.
NUC's Defense:
In response to the controversy, the NUC's Acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, termed the circulation of the list as ill-motivated and unfortunate. He asserted that the NUC had never blacklisted any academic as fake professors and pledged to issue a formal rebuttal. Maiyaki urged Nigerians to be cautious of fake news and misinformation.
Background on the Scandal:
The controversy surrounding the alleged fake professors gained traction in the aftermath of a report exposing corruption in the award of degree certificates in Benin Republic. This revelation prompted a suspension of accreditation for certificates from the affected West African nations by the Nigerian government.
Conclusion:
The resurgence of the fake professor saga has prompted renewed discussions on the credibility of higher education in Nigeria. As the NUC prepares to issue a formal response and universities strive to defend their integrity, the broader conversation on academic standards and transparency within the Nigerian educational system continues.
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