NIGER: Panel uncovers massive certificate fraud in ministry of education

AN investigative panel in Niger State has uncovered a massive certificate fraud in the State among staff members of the Ministry of Education.

The panel, which was set up by the State Government to screen all state civil servants, discovered that 80 percent of the certificates presented by the ministry of education staff were fake.

While briefing news men about the development, the chairman of the panel, Ibrahim Panti said police have apprehended the syndicate behind the printing of fake certificates of the State College of Education in Minna.

He also said five members of staff of the institution have been arrested for colluding with the fraudsters.

The chairman revealed further that one of the suspects confessed to printing fake certificates of the institution which was used to secure employment within and outside Niger State.

“The screening has been so revealing that 80 per cent staff of the state Ministry of Education is not genuinely certificated.

“During the exercise, many of them could not even write their names or speak correct English.

“Most of them are teachers and one wonder the type of knowledge they have been imparting on the students.”

He revealed further that everyone involved with the certificate scandal will be relieved of their positions and prosecuted by the state government.

He also warned individuals and groups that have been issuing threats against the panel that it was ready to carry out all of its duties to the letter.