In a recent move to curb the proliferation of unaccredited institutions in the country, the Federal Government of Nigeria has banned 18 foreign universities, labeling them as “degree mills.”
The affected institutions include five from the United States, six from the United Kingdom, and three from Ghana. The National Universities Commission (NUC) issued a statement on its website, emphasizing that these universities had not been licensed by the Federal Government and have been closed down for violating the Education (National Minimum Standards, etc.) Act of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The list of banned universities comprises institutions such as the University of Applied Sciences & Management in the Republic of Benin, Volta University College in Ghana, International University in Missouri, USA, and Collumbus University in the United Kingdom, among others.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Education announced the temporary suspension of the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo.
This decision follows an undercover investigative report exposing a certificate racketeering scheme in Benin. The report revealed how a journalist obtained a fake degree within six weeks from Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Reacting to the report, the Ministry of Education expressed concern over such fraudulent activities and declared a suspension of the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo.
This suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of investigations involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria, the two countries, as well as the Department of State Security Services and the National Youth Service Corps.
The ministry called on the public to support its efforts, provide useful information, and assured that internal administrative processes would be initiated to determine the involvement of any staff, with applicable Public Service Rules applied.
Highlighting the global issue of institutions operating outside regulatory control, the ministry emphasized its commitment to reviewing strategies to prevent the existence of illegal institutions and clamp down on fraudulent practices. This move aligns with previous warnings and efforts by the ministry and NUC against the patronage of such institutions.
In response to the suspension, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider its decision. NANS expressed concerns about the impact on legitimate students who have invested time and resources in pursuing their education in the affected countries.
The student body suggested a reassessment of the situation, distinguishing between those involved in fraudulent activities and the majority of students who genuinely pursued their education.
While acknowledging the government’s commitment to upholding academic integrity, NANS urged a reconsideration of the suspension, maintaining a rigorous and transparent evaluation process to ensure justice and fairness for legitimate students.
The association also emphasized the potential strain on diplomatic and educational relations and the impact on opportunities for Nigerian students in neighboring countries.
