Authorities in Taraba State have been urged to launch an investigation into the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Joseph Joshua, amid accusations of obtaining a degree certificate from a university in Benin Republic.
The request stems from a report by an online publication, revealing how easily a journalist secured a degree from an African university within six weeks, subsequently participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
In response, the Federal Government suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.
Dated January 15, 2024, and directed to the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Taraba State Command, Jalingo, the petition implores security agencies to thoroughly scrutinize the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Information Technology with Second Class (Upper Division) that Joshua purportedly obtained in 2021.
This certificate was presented to the Taraba House of Assembly during his screening and confirmation as Commissioner.
Sulaiman Scatter of Jalingo Local Council, the petitioner, alleges that the commissioner did not physically attend a university in Benin Republic for studies.
The plea to security agencies includes a request to investigate the frequency of his reported visits, the duration of these visits, and an examination of the international passport evidence regarding his claimed visits during the period in which the certificate was obtained.
When approached for comment, Commissioner Joshua responded succinctly, stating, “I have no comment.
Let the security do their job.” The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny on the authenticity of academic qualifications and the consequential impact on government officials.
