Heart Aches, Uncertainties Grip Many Nigerian Students, Parents As NUC Releases Over 50 Illegal Universities 

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has published a list of 58 fake universities currently operating illegally in Nigeria, adding that investigations are ongoing into eight additional institutions suspected of running unauthorised degree programmes in the country as well.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the commission which disclosed this in a public notice, stressed that the listed institutions have no accreditation to run degree programmes in the country. 

The body warns students and parents that certificates from such institutions are not valid, and that anybody who patronises them does it at his or her own risk.

“For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronises or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk,” the NUC declared.

However, the regulatory body confirmed that security and law enforcement agencies have been alerted for appropriate action against the operators. 

THE FULL LIST OF THE ILLEGAL UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA As PUBLISHED BY NUC:

University of Accountancy and Management Studies; Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra; University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos; University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Benin Republic; Blacksmith University, Akwa; Volta University College, Ghana; Royal University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi; United Christian University, Imo; United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra; Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue; UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers; Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau; The International University, Missouri, USA (study centres in Kano and Lagos); Columbus University, UK; Tiu International University, UK; 

Pebbles University, UK; London External Studies, UK; Pilgrims University; Lobi Business School, Makurdi; West African Christian University; Bolta University College, Aba; JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University), Kaduna; Western University, Kwara; St. Andrews University College, Abuja; EC-Council USA, Lagos Study Centre; Atlas University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom; Concept College/Universities, Ilorin; Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja; Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja; Acada University, Oyo; Filfom University, Imo; Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria; Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija; Open International University, Akure; Middle Belt University, Otukpo; Lead Way University, Delta; Metro University, Abuja; Southend University, Rivers; Olympic University, Enugu; Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja; Temple University, Abuja; 

Irish University Business School, London; National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa; University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; University of Education, Wenneba, Ghana; Cape Coast University, Ghana; African University Cooperative Development, Benin Republic; Pacific Western University, Colorado (Owerri study centre); Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos; Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko campus); 

Career Light Resources Centre, Jos; University of West Africa, Abuja; Coastal University, Akwa Ibom; Kaduna Business School, Kaduna; Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State; West African Union University (with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology); and Gospel Missionary Foundation Theological University, Lagos.

EIGHT OTHERS UNDER INVESTIGATION ARE:

National Universities of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa; North Central University, Otukpo, Benue; Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University; Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia; West Coast University, Umuahia; Saint Clements University, Ekiti; Volta University College, Aba; and illegal satellite campuses of Ambrose Alli University.

The Commission, however, urged Nigerians to verify accreditation status before enrolling in any higher institution, warning that only duly approved universities are recognised for valid degrees in Nigeria."