As the world celebrated Christmas on December 25, 2023, Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) chose the occasion to unveil a list of tertiary institutions deemed illegal, cautioning students against their patronage. The bulletin, titled “List of Illegal Universities Closed Down by NUC,” revealed a roster of 58 unauthorized institutions, shedding light on a widespread issue that has far-reaching implications for the Nigerian educational landscape.
The NUC, the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing universities in Nigeria, disclosed that these illicit establishments masquerade as legitimate institutions, preying on unsuspecting students seeking higher education opportunities. The publication, signed by the acting Executive Secretary Chris Maiyaki, serves as a critical exposé, aiming to safeguard the educational pursuits of the nation’s youth.
Among the nefarious entities identified in the bulletin are the University of Accountancy and Management Studies, various campuses of the Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, the University of Industry, the University of Applied Sciences and Management, Blacksmith University, Volta University College, Royal University, Atlanta University, and more. These institutions operate across Nigeria and internationally, with campuses in Benin, Ghana, the USA, and the UK.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the NUC’s preemptive action, which intercepted an investigative report exposing how students obtain degree certificates without enrolling in “mushroom” tertiary institutions in the Republic of Benin. The far-reaching ramifications of this revelation have prompted the suspension of the evaluation of degree certificates obtained from tertiary institutions in the Republics of Benin and Togo.
In a revealing interview with Channels Television, Mr. Maiyaki, the acting Executive Secretary, disclosed the involvement of the State Security Services in the crackdown on these illegitimate institutions, emphasizing the significant measures taken to address the fraudulent activities. He urged parents to consult the commission’s website for a comprehensive list of both legal and illegal universities, thereby preventing their wards from falling victim to these deceitful entities.
The 58 illegal tertiary institutions, spanning various states, and countries, pose a significant threat to the integrity of higher education in Nigeria. The NUC’s unwavering commitment to upholding educational standards and protecting students is encapsulated in the exhaustive list, a testament to the regulatory body’s vigilance.
Furthermore, the bulletin shed light on ongoing investigations targeting nine additional institutions, signifying a concerted effort to root out these pernicious operations. This resolute stance taken by the NUC demonstrates a commitment to not only identify illegitimate universities but also to pursue legal action against their proprietors and recover illicit fees.
The revelation of these unaccredited institutions serves as a wake-up call, prompting a reevaluation of the regulatory mechanisms governing the educational sector in Nigeria. The exposure of these illicit activities is a crucial step towards safeguarding the educational pursuits of students and upholding the credibility of tertiary education in the country.