Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, joined forces with Musa Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to denounce the rise of corruption within Nigerian universities. Their remarks were delivered during an anti-corruption event held at the institution formerly known as the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University.
Amadi highlighted that the credibility of Nigerian academic degrees has significantly declined, as some individuals attain professorial status without adhering to rigorous standards or merit. He urged universities to combat critical issues such as exam malpractice and sexual harassment. Amadi specifically called for harsher punishments for educators involved in trading grades for sexual favors and recommended a stricter vetting process for faculty appointments to ensure academic integrity.
ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, represented by Demola Bakare, emphasized that corruption erodes public trust and hinders national development. He encouraged a collective effort to eradicate unethical practices in the classroom. This sentiment was supported by Professor Mohammed Ndagi, representing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, who noted that while academic corruption often receives less visibility than financial crimes, its long-term damage to society is equally severe.
Justice Olamide Oloyede, a member of the Board of Trustees for the African Initiative Against Corruption and Examination Malpractice, added that the persistence of cheating in schools continues to tarnish Nigeria’s reputation globally. She argued that the nation must redefine its identity to foster a culture of integrity and academic excellence.
