The National Universities Commission (NUC) has taken decisive action against 58 illegal universities or satellite campuses operating within Nigeria. In a recent disclosure, the acting executive secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, revealed that these institutions have been identified, and certificates obtained from them will not be recognized for compulsory one-year national service, employment, or further studies.
Maiyaki emphasized the gravity of the situation, disclosing that arrests have already been made in connection with the illicit operations of these institutions. The Department of State Services (DSS) has been actively involved in the clampdown, highlighting the collaborative effort to address this issue.
Parents and guardians are urged to proactively safeguard the educational paths of their children by checking the NUC's official website for a comprehensive list of legal and illegal universities in Nigeria. This precautionary step aims to protect individuals from falling victim to fraudulent institutions, ensuring that their academic pursuits align with recognized and legitimate establishments.
These revelations come on the heels of the suspension of degree certificates from two West African countries. An undercover journalist's exposé detailed the swift acquisition of a degree from a university in Benin Republic, leading to concerns about the authenticity of academic credentials.
In a public announcement, the NUC listed nine institutions/campuses as "Degree Mills" currently undergoing further investigations and/or facing ongoing court actions. Among them are the National University of Nigeria in Keffi, Nasarawa State; North Central University in Otukpo, Benue State; and Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University in Enugu.
The NUC reiterated the purpose of these actions, emphasizing its commitment to prosecuting proprietors and recovering illegal fees and charges imposed on unsuspecting subscribers. The list also includes Richmond Open University in Arochukwu, Abia State; West Coast University in Umuahia; and Saint Clements University in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
"For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronizes or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk," warned Maiyaki. Certificates from these sources will not be recognized for the purposes of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), employment, and further studies.
Here is the arranged list of the identified illegal universities and campuses:
See below for the full list of identified illegal universities and campuses:
1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
2. Christians of Charity American University of Science & Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State, or any of its other campuses.
3. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos, or any of its other campuses.
4. University of Applied Sciences & Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
5. Blacksmith University, Awka, or any of its other campuses.
6. Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
7. Royal University Izhia, P.O. Box 800, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, or any of its other campuses.
8. Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi State, or any of its other campuses.
9. United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State, or any of its other campuses.
10. United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State, or any of its other campuses.
11. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State, or any of its other campuses.
12. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State, or any of its other campuses.
13. Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau State, or any of its other campuses.
14. The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
15. Collumbus University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
16. Tiu International University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
17. Pebbles University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
18. London External Studies UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
19. Pilgrims University, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
20. Lobi Business School Makurdi, Benue State, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
21. West African Christian University, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
22. Bolta University College Aba, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
23. JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna Illegal Campus.
24. Westlan University, Esie, Kwara State, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
25. St. Andrews University College, Abuja, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
26. EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
27. Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
28. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
29. Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
30. Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
31. Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo State, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
32. Fifom University, Mbaise, Imo State, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
33. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
34. Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija, Anambra State.
35. Open International University, Akure.
36. Middle Belt University (North Central University), Otukpo.
37. Leadway University, Ughelli, Delta State.
38. Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja.
39. Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State.
40. Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State.
41. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja.
42. Temple University, Abuja.
43. Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
44. National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
45. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and its Annex at 41, Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
46. University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
47. Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
48. African University Cooperative Development (AUCD), Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
49. Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study.
50. Evangel University of America & Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
51. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko Campus).
52. Career Light Resources Centre, Jos.
53. University of West Africa, Kwali-Abuja, FCT.
54. Coastal University, Iba-Oku, Akwa-Ibom State.
55. Kaduna Business School, Kaduna.
56. Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State.
57. West African Union University, in Collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology Nigeria, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
58. Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University, 165 Iselo road, Cele bus stop, Egbe-Ikotun, Lagos.
The NUC encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious educational institutions to ensure the integrity of the country's academic landscape. The Commission's actions underscore its dedication to upholding the standards of higher education in Nigeria and protecting the interests of students and the wider society.
