33 illegal varsities in Nigeria - NUC

By Adeolu Adeyemo - 28.08.2008

THE National Universities Commission (NUC) on Wednesday said there were 33 illegal universities operating in Nigeria and that it had arrested five promoters of such institutions.

The NUC Consultant on Satellite Campuses, Mr. Fidelis Oyakhilome, who made this known while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, said operators of the illegal universities would soon face the music.

Oyakhilome, who said the government would close down all unlicensed universities, announced the banning of all foreign (offshore) degree programmes that are not approved by the NUC.

Also, in a statement made available to newsmen by the NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Julius Okojie, the names of some of the illegal universities are National University of Nigeria, Open National University, Akure, or any of its other campuses, Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, or any of its other campuses; Columbus University, U.K, operating anywhere in Nigeria; Tiu University, U.K.; The International University, Missouri, U.S.A or anywhere in the country and many others.

The executive secretary said that anybody who patronised or obtained any certificate from any of the illegal institutions did so at his or her own risk as the certificates would not be recognised for the purpose of NYSC, employment and further studies.

Mr. Oyakhilome added that, "these unlicensed universities are operating illegally in violation of Education (National Minimum Standard) Act Cap E3 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. In fact, no offshore degree programme had been approved by the NUC in the country and all those operated are illegal.

"We have gone to their embassies and we will fish them out one by one. We are not saying that existing foreign universities cannot have their outreach in Nigeria, but they must register with the NUC and follow all the requirements of the commission by getting their approval before operation.

“In the last three years, 10 more private universities were licensed, bringing the total number of private universities in Nigeria to 34.

Indeed, for the first time in the history of university education in Nigeria, we now have more private universities than either federal or state. Out of the total number of 93 universities, 34 are private, 27 federal and state 32.

“All fake universities in the country will be obliterated in the country.

The task force set up to work concerning the operation will arrest the operators as the persons to be arrested had been identified.

“Eradication of these illegal and undesirable institutions cannot be achieved by the NUC alone even though the commission has the primary duty to do so, it has become necessary to sensitise all Nigerians to the need to get involved in getting rid of these institutions rather than patronise them.”

The consultant stated that those arrested were now being prosecuted by the appropriate authorities and that the commission had engaged the services of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies in the country to work towards putting an end to the illegal operations.

The consultant said that the 60-day ultimatum given by the commission to all illegal operators of the campuses to desist from doing so or face the wrath of the Federal Government had expired and that all the affected persons would soon be arrested by security agencies.

Mr. Oyakhilome maintained that “All illegal satellite campuses in the country will be wiped out wherever they are found in the country and their operators will not go scot- free.

“All these illegal universities did not follow the rules of the commission and they are also not qualified to set up the campuses,” he said.

Name of the varsities

1. National University of Nigeria, Nasarawa State
2. North Central University, Benue State
3. Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Anambra State
4. Leadway University, Delta State
5. Saint Clements University, Ekiti State
6. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu
7. Atlantic Intercontinental University, Anambra State
8. Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja
9. Southern University, Rivers State
10. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos
11. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Republic of Benin (operating in Nigeria)
12. Rev. D. O. Ockiya College of Theology and Management Sciences, Bayelsa
13. Blacksmith University, Anambra
14. Volta University College, Ghana (operating in Nigeria)
15. Royal University, Izhia, Ebonyi State
16. Houdegbe North American University, Benin Republic
17. Atlanta University, Kogi State
18. Sunday Adokpela University, Benue State
19. United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State
20. United Nigeria University College, Anambra State
21. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu
22. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State
23. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State
24. Strategic Business School, Lagos
25. Saint Augustines University of Technology, Jos, Plateau State
26. Open International University, Ondo State
27. Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue State
28. The International University, Missouri, USA (operating in Nigeria)
29. Collumbus University, UK (operating in Nigeria)
30. Tiu International University, UK (operating in Nigeria)
31. Pebbles University, UK (operating in Nigeria)
32. Aston University, UK (operating in Nigeria)
33. London External Studies, UK (operating in Nigeria)