In a recent revelation, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has uncovered a list of 37 illegal universities currently in operation across Nigeria. Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Secretary of NUC, highlighted that significant progress has been made in addressing this issue, with several arrests made in recent months. The Department of State Services (DSS) has actively participated in cracking down on these unauthorized institutions.
Maiyaki emphasized the importance of vigilance among parents, urging them to consult the NUC’s official website to distinguish between legal and illegal universities in Nigeria. This cautionary advice aims to protect students from falling victim to institutions lacking the necessary accreditation.
This announcement follows the suspension of degree certificates from two francophone West African countries. The move was prompted by an undercover journalist who exposed the ease with which he obtained a degree from a university in Benin Republic within two months, subsequently deploying for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The NUC’s efforts to address these issues underscore the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the education system in Nigeria.