NAEHSON condemns UI over alleged illegal Issuance of degree in environmental health science

…Registrar denies issuance, says investigation ongoing

By Matthew Denis

The National Association of Environmental Health Scientists of Nigeria (NAEHSON), has condemned the reported backdoor issuance of Bachelor degree in Environmental Health Science by the University of Ibadan, UI.

This is contained in a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary of NAEHSON, Amb Jimoh Moh’d Bashir and made available to Newsmen on Sunday.

According to the statement NAEHSON is a professional body dedicated towards advancing the field of environmental health in Nigeria.

The Association strongly condemns unethical and putrid practice that is capable of undermining the integrity of the environmental health profession.

“It is imperative for the association to react, following the disclaimer published by the University of Ibadan on its official website. The University has distanced itself from affiliating with any consultancy program and issuing a certificate, warning the public to always visit the institution’s website for any academic information.

“The Association wishes to set the record straight, stating that anyone that wishes to become an environmental health practitioner must pass through the rigorous stages.

“Given the re-emergence of factual presented statement of result by University of Ibadan Consultancy Service and the admission letter indicating that to earn a BSc degree of Environmental Health Science (correct title as indicated in NUC CCMAS is BEHS or BTech EHS) you can spend 2 years as against 4 years (200 level) or 5 years (100 level) as recommended by NUC is a gross misconduct.

“Issuance of statement of result, is the legal right of the Registrar of the issuing institution. So, in this case University of Ibadan consultancy program, the signature of the Registrar is not on the statement of result. And that has made a statement of result issued by a purported consulting service through University of Ibadan fake and illegal.

“Given this background, the NAEHSON position is responsible for protecting the scientist status of the profession.

“Such obnoxious behaviour will not only denigrate the efforts of genuine students, it will tarnish the reputation of the University of Ibadan.

“However, NAEHSON calls on the relevant authorities, including the Federal government and the University of Ibadan, to thoroughly investigate this deplorable situation.

“We also encourage respected UI, as an educational institution, to take proactive steps to safeguard against endemic corruption and maintain the highest standards of  best academic integrity, merit based admissions, and rigorous assessment.”

The Association urges the University management to identify the culprits involved in this scheme and hold them accountable for their actions.

NAEHSON stands firm in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity within environmental health.

The Association refuses to tolerate any practices that compromise the quality and credibility of the profession.

Reacting to the development, the Registrar of University of Ibadan, Ganiyu Oke Saliu disclosed that they are investigating the matter.

The Registrar said, “I have investigated, and the University’s stance is we are aware and investigating the matter. The university had earlier distanced itself from such crash programmes.”