We wish to inform the general public, especially parents and prospective undergraduate students, that the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria has released a list of 58 illegal degree-awarding universities in Nigeria. The commission also listed nine other universities currently under investigation.
For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronizes or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk.
Certificates obtained from these sources will not be recognized for the purposes of NYSC, employment, and further studies.
Illegal Universities in Nigeria.
- University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating anywhere in Nigeria
- Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State, or any of its other campuses
- University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos or any of its other campuses
- University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- Blacksmith University, Akwa or any of its other campuses
- Volta University College, HO, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- Royal University, Izhia, PO BOX 800, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State or any of its other campuses
- Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi state or any of its other campuses
- United Christian University, Macotis campus, Imo State or any of its other campuses
- United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State, or any of its other campuses.
- Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State, or any of its other campuses
- UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State, or any of its other campuses
- Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau State, or any of its other campuses
- The International University, Missouri USA, Kano and Lagos studies centres, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- Columbus University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria
- Tiu International University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria
- Pebbles University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria
- London External Studies, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria
- Pilgrims University operates anywhere in Nigeria
- Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue State, or any of its campuses in Nigeria
- West African Christian University operates anywhere in Nigeria
- Bolta University College, Aba or any of its campuses in Nigeria
- JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna illegal campus
- Western University, Esie Kwara State or any of its campuses in Nigeria
- St. Andrews University College, Abuja or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- EC-Council USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre
- Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja or any of its campuses in Nigeria
- Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- Acada University, Akinlalu Oyo state or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- Filfom University, Mbaise, Imo State or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria
- Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija Anambra State
- Open International University, Akure
- Middle Belt University (North Central University) Otukpo
- Lead Way University, Ugheli, Delta State
- Metro University, Dutse/Bwari Abuja
- Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State
- Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State
- Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja
- Temple University, Abuja
- Irish University Business School, London, operating anywhere in Nigeria
- National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State
- University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and its annex at 41, Ikorodu road, Lagos.
- University of Education, Wenneba Ghana operating anywhere in Nigeria
- Cape Coast University, Ghana operating in Nigeria
- African University Cooperative Development (AUCD) Cotonou, Benin Republic operating anywhere in Nigeria
- Pacific Western University, Denver Colorado, Oweri 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, Kwali Abuja, FCT
- Coastal University, Iba Oku, Akwa Ibom State
- Kaduna Business School, Kaduna
- Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State
- West African Union University, in collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology, Nigeria operating anywhere in Nigeria
- Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University, 165 Isolo road, Cele bus stop, Egbe Ikotun, Lagos
Universities Undergoing Investigation.
The commission also released eight universities currently undergoing investigation for illegally running degree programs. The purpose of the investigation is to prosecute the proprietors and recover illegal fees and charges from subscribers.
The eight universities are:
- National Universities of Nigeria, Keffi, Nassarawa State.
- North Central University, Otukpo, Benue State.
- Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University.
- Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State.
- West Coast University, Umuahia.
- Saint Clement’s University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti state.
- Volta University College, Aba, Abia state.
- Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University.
The relevant Law enforcement agencies have also been informed of their role in Nigeria, and of further necessary action.
FAQs
1. What is an illegal university in Nigeria?
An illegal university in Nigeria is an institution that operates without approval or accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC). These universities are not recognized by the government, and degrees awarded by them are considered invalid for employment, higher education, or professional practice. Always verify any university through the official NUC website before admission.
2. How can I identify illegal universities in Nigeria?
You can identify illegal universities by:
Checking if the university is listed on the official NUC-approved universities list.
Avoid schools that lack a physical campus or official contact details.
Being cautious of institutions that promise quick or easy degrees without proper programs.
Verifying with recent NUC public warnings, as some universities may lose accreditation over time.
3. Why should I avoid enrolling in illegal universities?
Enrolling in illegal universities is risky because:
The degree you earn will be invalid for government jobs or professional certifications.
You may lose money on tuition fees that cannot be recovered.
You risk legal consequences, as operating or promoting such institutions is against Nigerian law.
Employers and postgraduate programs do not recognize certificates from unaccredited universities.
4. Can illegal universities become legal in Nigeria?
Yes, some illegal universities may seek accreditation from the NUC to become legal. However, until they are officially approved and listed, their operations remain illegal. It is crucial to monitor NUC updates regularly to distinguish newly accredited institutions from illegal ones.