The National Universities Commission (NUC) has publicly identified 58 universities operating illegally in Nigeria, cautioning students and parents that degrees from these institutions are worthless. The NUC emphasized that none of these schools have accreditation to offer degree programs, rendering their certificates invalid for academic or professional purposes.
“Anyone who enrolls in these illegal institutions or obtains their certificates does so at their own risk,” the NUC stated in a public notice. The commission has notified security and law enforcement agencies to take action against the operators of these unapproved schools.
Among the listed fake universities are the University of Accountancy and Management Studies (operating anywhere in Nigeria), Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology in Nkpor, Anambra State, University of Industry in Yaba, Lagos, and Samuel Ahmadu University in Makurdi, Benue State. Others include foreign institutions like Volta University College in Ghana and Cape Coast University, also in Ghana, running unauthorized programs in Nigeria, as well as U.S. and U.K.-based schools like Columbus University and Tiu International University operating illegal study centers in Nigeria.
The NUC also flagged eight additional institutions currently under investigation for running unaccredited degree programs, including National Universities of Nigeria in Keffi, Nasarawa State, and Saint Clements University in Ekiti State.
The commission urged Nigerians to verify the accreditation status of any institution before enrolling, stressing that only degrees from duly approved universities are recognized in Nigeria. This warning comes as part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of fake academic institutions, with the NUC previously shutting down 22 illegal Colleges of Education in August 2025 and exposing 100 fake professors in 2019.
List of Illegal Universities (Partial):
– University of Accountancy and Management Studies
– Christians of Charity American University, Nkpor, Anambra
– University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos
– Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue
– Volta University College, Ghana
– Cape Coast University, Ghana
– Columbus University, UK
– Atlas University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom
– Temple University, Abuja
– Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja
Under Investigation:
– National Universities of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa
– North Central University, Otukpo, Benue
– Saint Clements University, Ekiti
– Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia
The NUC’s crackdown underscores its commitment to protecting students from fraudulent institutions and ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system. Always check an institution’s accreditation status before applying to avoid falling victim to these illegal operations.
