The Federal Government yesterday inaugurated a committee to assess the quality of qualifications obtained from overseas.

Education Minister Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i, who inaugurated the 32nd National Standing Committee (NSC) on Evaluation of Foreign Qualification in Abuja yesterday, said the committee became necessary to assess such qualifications for employment and admission purposes.

Rufa'i said the committee is expected to accord Nigerian equivalents to foreign qualifications, consider and recommend criteria for recognition of degrees obtained after studies at off-shore campuses in Nigeria and to server an appellate body by considering representations from aggrieved persons evaluated by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Other terms of reference are to deal with the broad principles and set criteria for the evaluation of foreign certificates, to consider briefs on various educational systems and approve the Nigerian equivalents proposed by the Desks Officers among others.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr McJohn Nwaobiala, said the importance of ensuring quality and standards in the sector could not be over-emphasised.

Membership of the committee is drawn from more than 30 educational bodies.