Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by dre11(m): 12:27pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Senator Foster Ogola
Nigerian lawmakers have come under fire for a barrage of reasons lately. From their gargantuan salaries to unproductive and dissatisfactory representation, especially in the implementation of constituency projects, the national assembly has had a tumultuous journey so far.
In addition to the above, lawmakers who own false academic certificates from questionable institutions are now being uncovered. However, it is important to note that this did not start with the 8th assembly. Since the inception of democracy in Nigeria, lawmakers have been exposed for this wrongdoing.
In 1999, for example, Salisu Buhari, a former speaker of the house of representatives, was entangled in several lies. The disgraced lawmaker had falsified his age and academic endowments, claiming he had attended the University of Toronto, Canada. This was vehemently refuted by the academy, while the Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna state, had expelled him for using fake credentials to gain admission.
The embattled lawmaker eventually came out to apologise to the country, where he begged: “I apologise to you. I apologise to the nation. I apologise to my family and friends for all the distress I have caused them. I was misled in error by my zeal to serve the nation. I hope the nation will forgive me and give me the opportunity to serve again.”
Similarly, Sahara Reporters had published a report accusing Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west, of not graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University. These allegations turned out to be unproven at the behest of a senate ethics investigation and led to the senator’s hit single ‘ Ajekuniya.’
However, Melaye was not completely vindicated as he had included Harvard University and the London School of Economics and Political Science as some of the schools he had attended.
This turned out to be false, as both institutions denied his studentship, stating that he had not completed any degree courses with them, hence, could not have graduated.
On March 30, 2018, NseEkpenyong, a member of the house of representatives, was arraigned at the federal high court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, for the alleged forgery of a polytechnic diploma. Now, Foster Ogola, senator from Bayelsa west, has taken his spot as a prominent Nigerian with a certificate scandal attached to his name.
Senator Foster Ogola
A few weeks ago, a confidential report was made using the Leaks.NG platform, hinting that the lawmaker has fake credentials from an unaccredited university in Nigeria.
“Sen. Foster Ogola has a fake PhD. His official profile on the national assembly website says he has a PhD from GMF Christian University. There is no official site for the university and it is not accredited by the NUC. There is also no research paper or thesis to his name online. Although he got the degree in 2012,” the reported alerted.
On his official national assembly profile, the senator is credited with having a PhD in Christian (sic.) Leadership from the GMF Christian University Lagos, the same course he reportedly has a MSc. in from the Imo State University, Owerri.
Upon inquiry by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), it was revealed that the Federal Government has not licensed the GMF Christian University, Lagos, where Ogola claimed to have earned his PhD from in 2012.
When Ibrahim Yakasai, director of corporate communications at the National Universities Commission (NUC), was contacted on the validity of the institution, he said, “We have never heard of that name.”
A copy of the commission’s weekly bulletin provided by Yakasai showed a list of 57 illegal universities operating in the country; GMF Christian University was not among, buttressing the fact that the commission is not aware of its proceedings.
The director also mentioned that since 1999 the NUC has approved of 74 private universities in the country and any certificate obtained from the GMF Christian University or any other degree will not be recognised.
Other discoveries made by Leaks.NG coalition informed that the GMF Christian University still has no website offering information on the institution or its courses and there is no information on the Christian Leadership course the embattled senator purports to have a PhD in.
Premium Times reached out to Ogola, who is the vice-chairman of the senate committee on information communication technology and cybercrime, to speak on the allegations levelled against him and give his reaction to GMF Christian University being an unaccredited institution in Nigeria.
In response, the senator said: “Kindly clarify for me if Premium Times does exist, to entertain allegations from third parties, whose identities are not mentioned, especially, when they are criminal in nature.”
The lawmaker went on to note that the allegations could be a product of “mischief makers with a potential to foment distraction from weighty matters of state.”
On the unaccredited state of the GMF Christian University, the senator was asked if there was an exemption from the NUC on the Christian Leadership course which Ogola purportedly has a doctorate degree in. Misunderstanding the question, the lawmaker retorted: “When did students or products of universities become accrediting bodies?”
In an attempt to verify GMF Christian University existence and understand how it operates in Nigeria, TheCable, paid the academy a visit.
TheCable traced the Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF) Theological University to 165 Isolo road , Cele bus stop, Egbe-Ikotun, Lagos, and realised that the controversial university lies on the first floor of a two-storey building. Besides the one and only lecture room, which was empty at the time of visit, there are about three other rooms serving as offices. Hope Obioha, the registrar and wife of the president of the university, Daniel Obioha, an acclaimed professor, received the reporter who went there under the guise of a prospective student.
GMF Christian Theological University
She took the reporter to her office where she introduced him to the university and the courses it offers.
According to the material given, GMF Christian Theological University was established on May 4, 1988, and is registered by the federal government. It seeks to fulfil its commitment to the individual special ministry calling, through graduate education, professional development and spiritual formation in all its activities including teaching, nurturing, worship, service, research, publication and missions.
Daniel Obioha and his wife established the university. When asked if the NUC has accredited the university, the registrar said they do not operate like a secular university, hence, the university is not registered under NUC. She presented the “accreditation certificate” of the universities by some international bodies. Checks revealed that all the bodies that gave the debatable accreditation do not have an online presence.
However, one of the materials she released contains the graduating list from 2013 to 2016. It is worthy to note at this juncture that 2012 is the year Ogola claimed to have obtained his PhD in Christian Leadership. Additionally, the Christian Leadership course was not reflected on the list of courses offered by the school at doctorate level.
On a second visit to the GMF Christian University on March 13, the centre was empty again as the man who introduced himself as a lecturer said it was examination time. He said, while the full-time students attend lectures on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the part-time students go on Saturdays alone.
He was reluctant to release the list of those who graduated in 2012 but the reporter obtained a Skye bank account of the university in order to pay for the admission process for a “diploma in theology.”At the end of both visits, TheCable was still unable to establish the veracity of the senator’s claim that he attended the university and has a PhD. in the Christian Leadership course.
GMF Christian Theological University Classroom
The Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism(PTCIJ) was unable to find any Christian Leadership course offered in Nigeria but a University in Boston explained that the course teaches how to apply biblical and theological principles to leadership situations.
Courses may cover topics such as cultural diversity, Christian ethics and church history. Students may need to complete an internship or field experience amongst other things.
In an attempt to verify whether or not the senator has used the skills acquired through the purported doctorate degree from the shady GMF Christian University, OrderPaperNG reached out to his office in the national assembly to inquire about bills he has sponsored or motions he has raised.
Unfortunately, his legislative aides proved highly unhelpful, claiming they could not divulge without Ogola’s approval. A quick search through national assembly archives shows that the senator in question has sponsored just two bills and one of them was stood down. While he is credited with contributing a lot to motions and debates, it is lamentable that there is nothing exclusive Ogola has spearheaded to bring positive outcomes in the 8th assembly. https://www.thecable.ng/bayelsa-senator-caught-in-certificate-scandal 1 Like 2 Shares |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by DonVikings: 12:50pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
From the Presidency to the legislature and judiciary, all the crooks are the same. The only difference is that some are louder than others. 10 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by kingphilip(m): 1:25pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
no be them them again?
na scandals be their own now 6 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by wwwtortoise(m): 2:11pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Is it by force to be a PHD holder. 20 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by dukechilezie(m): 2:12pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
That school building that looks like special GCE centre. 11 Likes |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by lurther: 2:13pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Buhari.......Show us your certificate. 20 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by MrsNwaAmaikpe(f): 2:13pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
When the head is rotten, what do you expect of the body? As far as Buhari who doesnt have a waec certificate can rule this country....then anybody can occupy political office even with nepa certificate. 18 Likes |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by aleeyus(m): 2:13pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Please tell me is there any saint in Nigeria? 2 Likes |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by fulaniHERDSman(m): 2:14pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
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Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by BUHARIISCURSED(m): 2:18pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
DonVikings: From the Presidency to the legislature and judiciary, all the crooks are the same. The only difference is that some are louder than others. Omenka good morning ooo 2 Likes |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by Oyebee91(m): 2:20pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
buhari nko?!or is it because he be herdsman? 3 Likes |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by MrHistorian: 2:21pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Just take a look at the 2 x 2 shop he got his PhD from. Why must he falsify or dubiously get a PhD cert? With what I read from that news story, he completed his Msc at IMSU. Why the greediness? 5 Likes |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by veacea: 2:22pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Chei |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by kpaofame: 2:23pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
University that operates from a 3 bedroom apartment gives you a PHD Degree (certificate) and you are foolish enough to flaunt and use it. I weak for this nation imagine the manner of people that we have as leaders 2 Likes |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by ddeola: 2:24pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
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Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by Adesolomon2014(m): 2:24pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by Lanre4uonly(m): 2:26pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
This is bad. |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by abike12(f): 2:28pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
We're not surprised |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by GavelSlam: 2:29pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Small doctor.
He has has his last stint in the Senate. |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by bigplayerz(m): 2:33pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Even the pastors that attend this theological school would eventually be scammers....What kind of school uses a room for Theological school...hmmm we are indeed finished in Nigeria 2 Likes |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by Xisnin(m): 2:34pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Misleading report. |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by xtivin(m): 2:35pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
This article looks like something from an enemy. This is typically physical monitoring spirit in action especially towards the end of the article where the reporter still went to the assembly to dig deep into the senators bill. Although I don't like politicians I detest this lopsided journalism too 1 Like |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by TroubleMaker47(m): 2:35pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Where is Buhari's waec certificate? |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by wellmax(m): 2:40pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
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Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by Troublemaker007(m): 2:40pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Nor be today yansh dey back so am not surprised, next! |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by honey001(m): 2:40pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
It's like sense has elude all these our so called leaders in this country...Can anybody claim to have PhD from this makeshift building and this so called senator will believe him or her?
Youth should better rise up and send all these senseless leaders back to their respective villages.... 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by IamaNigerianGuy(m): 2:50pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
xtivin: This article looks like something from an enemy. This is typically physical monitoring spirit in action especially towards the end of the article where the reporter still went to the assembly to dig deep into the senators bill. Although I don't like politicians I detest this lopsided journalism too All bills debated or passed in the house are public business. The essence of highlighting them in this case is to demonstrate his incapacity as a senator. He needs to be held to account, that is the essence of democracy. 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by Bjergtrolde: 2:51pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
Ok!
Senator with fake PhD or Senator with a PhD from a fake university? 1 Like |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by HAH: 2:56pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
I done support faking of result, but theological universities are not under NUC the case is in court and there is difference between fake certificate and having certificate from an unaccredited instituition
Are the bible schools under NBTE or NUC ? But they give certification. Such certificate are not to be used for anything apart from church work, a lot of the Dr brandished by pastors are from theology schools 1 Like |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by CaptainFM1: 3:25pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
This is another reason we need to change all these old fools come 2019. 1 Like |
Re: Senator Foster Ogola In Fake PhD Certificate Scandal by Xkalaban(m): 3:27pm On Apr 11, 2018 |
DonVikings: From the Presidency to the legislature and judiciary, all the crooks are the same. The only difference is that some are louder than others. Word..... And things will never get better in this country till they're all flushed out. |