The Nigerian government has taken decisive action against the operation of at least 37 unauthorized universities within the country.
Acting Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, revealed this information in an interview with Channels Television on January 4, 2024. Maiyaki emphasized that arrests have been carried out in collaboration with security forces, particularly involving the Department of State Services.
He urged parents to visit the commission’s website to verify the status of universities, distinguishing between legal and illegal ones. This precautionary measure aims to protect students from falling victim to fraudulent institutions.
The NUC’s move comes on the heels of the suspension of degree certificates from two French-speaking West African countries. An investigative journalist uncovered a scheme where he obtained a degree from a Benin Republic university within two months and subsequently participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Consequently, the federal government has blacklisted 18 universities from Benin Republic and Togo. Furthermore, there are indications that the government is contemplating extending sanctions to universities from Uganda, Kenya, Niger Republic, and other African nations.
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