NBTE Warns Against Certificate Racketeering as Investigation Into Polytechnic Fraud Deepens

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has reaffirmed its stance against certificate racketeering and other academic malpractices within Nigeria’s technical education system.

In a statement released on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the Board emphasized that it will not tolerate any form of certificate forgery, fake diploma issuance, or illegal academic transactions between Nigerian polytechnics and foreign universities.

The declaration follows a recent investigative report revealing that some private polytechnics in Nigeria may be collaborating with unaccredited universities in the Republic of Benin to mobilize fake graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

According to the report, these institutions allegedly issue fabricated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates to individuals seeking shortcuts to NYSC eligibility or employment opportunities.

NBTE Restates Zero Tolerance for Academic Fraud

Reacting to the report, the NBTE spokesperson, Fatima Abubakar, said the Board has zero tolerance for any institution or individual involved in certificate manipulation or racketeering.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s technical education sector remains non-negotiable. Any polytechnic or technical institution found engaging in such illegal activities will face strict regulatory actions,”
Abubakar stated.

She further revealed that the Board has commenced preliminary investigations and reached out to both the NYSC and the media organization behind the report to gather verifiable evidence that will aid the probe.

NBTE’s Investigation in Collaboration with NYSC

The NBTE noted that it is already working with the Federal Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to sanitize the technical education sector.

“We call on the public and education stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to certificate issuance, verification, or cross-border education,”
the statement added.

This renewed commitment by NBTE comes amid growing public concern about the credibility of academic qualifications issued by some foreign universities operating without proper accreditation in West Africa.

Background: Cross-Border Degree Fraud in West Africa

Over the past few years, several investigations have uncovered the existence of “degree mills” — unaccredited universities in countries such as Benin and Togo that allegedly sell certificates to Nigerians.

These fake credentials have often been used to gain access to government jobs, professional registrations, or the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

In early 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria had suspended the recognition and evaluation of degrees obtained from Benin and Togo after widespread evidence of fraudulent practices emerged.

The latest revelations have reignited discussions around the credibility of foreign degrees, cross-border education monitoring, and the need for tighter control over polytechnic affiliations and academic partnerships.

Nigeria’s Education Regulatory Bodies Intensify Oversight

With the NBTE’s latest statement, the Federal Government is sending a strong message to institutions attempting to exploit loopholes in the education system.

The Board emphasized that all accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Nigeria must operate under strict compliance with national quality assurance standards.

Institutions found issuing certificates without proper training, supervision, or accreditation will be delisted and blacklisted from future government partnerships.

The agency reiterated that its mission remains the preservation of academic integrity, promotion of skills-based education, and enhancement of Nigeria’s global reputation in technical training.

Public Reaction and Expert Commentary

Education experts have praised the NBTE’s proactive stance, noting that certificate racketeering undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s entire education framework.

Some analysts also called for the establishment of a central digital verification system for all ND and HND certificates issued by polytechnics nationwide.

This, they argue, would curb the circulation of fake credentials and make it easier for employers and institutions to verify genuine academic records.

Impact on Nigerian Polytechnic Graduates

For thousands of legitimate students and graduates of Nigerian polytechnics, the NBTE’s intervention offers reassurance that the value of their qualifications will be protected.

The ongoing crackdown on fraudulent academic practices is expected to boost public confidence in technical education and enhance employment prospects for genuine graduates.

NBTE’s Warning to Offenders

The Board has warned that any individual, official, or institution found guilty of forging or facilitating fake certificates will face severe disciplinary measures, including withdrawal of accreditation, criminal prosecution, and possible imprisonment under Nigeria’s education laws.

NBTE also appealed to the general public to desist from patronizing unauthorized agents or institutions promising quick or foreign-issued diplomas without undergoing proper training.

Moving Forward: Restoring Integrity in Technical Education

The NBTE’s renewed enforcement strategy aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goal of restoring integrity to Nigeria’s education system.

Through partnerships with agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Education, NYSC, and National Universities Commission (NUC), the Board is expected to strengthen internal monitoring, improve accreditation processes, and enhance collaboration with law enforcement authorities.