Last Tuesday, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, declared a suspension of the assessment and approval of degree certificates from Benin and Togo.
This decision was made following an investigation by a Nigerian newspaper, exposing a degree mill in Cotonou, a key city in Benin Republic.
During the investigation, a reporter swiftly acquired a degree from Cotonou University in just six weeks and also participated in the National Youth Service Corps’ one-year programme.
The National Universities Commission (NUC), responsible for overseeing universities in Nigeria, is resolute in eliminating counterfeit universities.
Quest Times has compiled a list of universities under scrutiny as part of ongoing efforts to root out institutions issuing fake certificates:
1. National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa State
2. North Central University, Otukpo, Benue State
3. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu.
4. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State.
5. West Coast University, Umuahia.
6. Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State
7. Volta University College, Aba, Abia State.
Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University.
8. L. I.F.E Leadership University, Benin City, Edo State.
The NUC, through a warning on its website, emphasized that obtaining certificates from these unauthorized institutions is at one’s own risk.
Such certificates will not be recognized for NYSC, employment, or further studies, with law enforcement agencies duly notified.
In 2022, former Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, highlighted the challenge of illegal universities affecting the quality of education in Nigeria.
Hence, the government remains unwavering in its commitment to cracking down on these illegal institutions, with the NUC having identified 58 operating in the country so far.