Nigeria releases list of 58 illegal universities operating in the country

In a recent development, Nigeria's National Universities Commission (NUC) has unveiled a list of 58 illegal universities operating in the country.

According to the commission, these institutions lack the necessary licenses from the federal government and have been shut down for violating the national minimum standard for education.

The NUC, through its Executive Secretary's office, issued a bulletin on May 14, providing a comprehensive list of the unaccredited universities.

The publication serves as a warning to the public, emphasizing that certificates obtained from these institutions will not be recognized for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), employment, and further studies.

The list includes universities purportedly operating both within Nigeria and abroad. Some of the flagged institutions are:

1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies
2. Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology
3. University of Industry
4. University of Applied Sciences and Management
5. Blacksmith University
6. Volta University College
7. Royal University
8. Atlanta University
9. United Christian University
10. United Nigeria University College
11. Samuel Ahmadu University
12. UNESCO University
13. Saint Augustine's University of Technology
14. The International University, Missouri USA
15. Collumbus University, UK
16. Tiu International University, UK
17. Pebbles University, UK
18. London External Studies, UK
19. Pilgrims University
20. Lobi Business School
21. West African Christian University
22. Bolta University College
23. JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University)
24. Western University
25. St. Andrews University College
26. EC-Council USA
27. Atlas University
28. Concept College/Universities (London)
29. Halifax Gateway University
30. Kingdom of Christ University
31. Acada University
32. Filfom University
33. Houdegbe North American University
34. Atlantic Intercontinental University
35. Open International University
36. Middle Belt University (North Central University)
37. Lead Way University
38. Metro University
39. Southend University
40. Olympic University
41. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
42. Temple University
43. Irish University Business School, London
44. National University of Technology
45. University of Accountancy and Management Studies
46. University of Education, Wenneba Ghana
47. Cape Coast University, Ghana
48. African University Cooperative Development (AUCD) Cotonou, Benin Republic
49. Pacific Western University
50. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic

Additionally, the NUC revealed that eight universities are currently under investigation for illegally running degree programs. These include the following institutions;

1. National Universities of Nigeria, Keffi
2. North Central University, Otukpo
3. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University
4. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu
5. West Coast University, Umuahia
6. Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti
7. Volta University College, Aba, Abia State; and
8. Illegal satellite campuses of Ambrose Alli University.

The Director of Information and Public Relations at NUC, Ibrahim Yakasai, emphasized the ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal institutions.

He stated, “We continued publishing the lists so that the illegal universities don't resurface. If we stop publishing their names, they could move to other parts of the country and start operating because, at some point, they were moving.”

Individuals patronizing or obtaining certificates from these unaccredited institutions have been cautioned to do so at their own risk.

The NUC has alerted Nigerian law enforcement agencies to take necessary action against these illegal universities.