Education
BREAKING: NUC Closes 58 Unapproved Universities in Nigeria
BREAKING: NUC closes 58 unapproved universities in Nigeria
The National Universities Commission (NUC) in Nigeria has taken a strong stance against illegal universities and satellite campuses operating within the country. In a recent announcement, the NUC revealed that it has shut down at least 58 of these illegitimate institutions and warned that certificates obtained from them will not be recognized for national service, employment, or further studies.
The Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, spoke to Channels Television in Abuja about the crackdown on illegal universities. He mentioned that arrests have been made in connection with these unlawful institutions and that the Department of State Services (DSS) has played a role in the efforts to shut them down.
This action by the NUC comes in the wake of a suspension of degree certificates from two francophone West African countries and other countries. An undercover journalist had exposed how he was able to obtain a degree from a university in Benin Republic in just two months and was subsequently deployed for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. This revelation raised concerns about the authenticity of degrees from certain institutions and prompted the NUC to take decisive action.
In a public announcement signed by the NUC’s acting executive secretary, the Commission disclosed the closure of these fake institutions and stated that nine other institutions and campuses labeled “Degree Mills” were under investigation or subject to ongoing court actions. Maiyaki emphasized that the NUC is committed to prosecuting the proprietors of these illegal institutions and recovering any illegal fees that were levied on subscribers.
It is important to note that anyone who obtains a certificate from these illegal institutions does so at their own risk. The NUC has made it clear that certificates from these sources will not be recognized for NYSC, employment, or further studies, and individuals should be cautious about where they pursue their education.
The NUC’s actions send a strong message about the importance of upholding the integrity of higher education in Nigeria. By cracking down on illegal universities and taking steps to prosecute those behind them, the NUC is working to protect the interests of students and ensure that their qualifications are obtained from reputable and accredited institutions.
As the NUC continues its efforts to combat illegal universities, it is essential for individuals to verify the accreditation of any institution before enrolling in a degree program. By doing so, they can avoid the risks associated with obtaining a certificate from an illegitimate source and ensure that their education is recognized and valued in the eyes of employers and educational institutions.
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Read Also: FG to Suspend Certificate Accreditation from Kenya, Uganda, and Others
Backstory
The Federal Government suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo on Tuesday.
This move followed a report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in the Benin Republic in under two months.
“This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.
“The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently condemns such acts and, with effect from January 2, 2024, suspends the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for education in the two countries, as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the National Youth Session.”
