The headline “FG shut down 22 illegal universities in Nigeria” has sparked heated conversations among students, parents, and education experts. For many Nigerians, this decision by the Federal Government (FG), through the National Universities Commission (NUC), was long overdue. Illegal universities have been a source of academic fraud, dashed dreams, and financial exploitation for thousands of unsuspecting families.

But why exactly did the FG shut them down? And what lessons can Nigerian students and parents learn from this? Let’s unpack the top reasons behind the clampdown on these fake institutions.

1. Lack of NUC Accreditation

One of the top reasons why FG shut down 22 illegal universities in Nigeria was their lack of accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Accreditation ensures that institutions meet academic and infrastructural standards. Many of these universities were operating without NUC approval, deceiving thousands of students. According to reports by The Punch, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has blacklisted 22 universities for operating illegally across Nigeria.

Without accreditation, graduates cannot compete for jobs, apply for NYSC, or pursue postgraduate studies. By shutting them down, the FG is protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

2. Exploitation of Innocent Students

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Another of the top reasons why FG shut down 22 illegal universities in Nigeria was the outright exploitation of young Nigerians. Families, desperate for higher education opportunities, paid exorbitant fees to these schools, only to discover later that the certificates were worthless.

For instance, some of the universities collected school fees ranging between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000 per session, despite not being recognized. The shutdown helps curb such fraudulent exploitation.

3. Substandard Academic Quality

Many of these institutions lacked basic facilities, no libraries, no laboratories, and in some cases, no permanent campuses. Lecturers were underqualified, and academic programs were poorly structured.

FG shut down 22 illegal universities in Nigeria to stop the spread of substandard education that dilutes the value of Nigerian graduates.

4. Threat to National Development

Part of the top reasons why FG shut down 22 illegal universities in Nigeria was to protect the reputation of Nigerian degrees internationally. Fake universities undermine the credibility of legitimate institutions like the University of Ibadan, UNILAG, and Covenant University, whose certificates are respected globally.

5. Security Concerns

Some of these illegal universities were found to be fronts for fraudulent activities, including visa scams and money laundering. The shutdown was also a security measure to protect Nigeria’s educational integrity and reputation. This stands out as one of the strongest top reasons why FG shut down 22 illegal universities in Nigeria to uphold the rule of law in the education sector.

6. Protecting Genuine Universities

Allowing fake institutions to thrive undermines the efforts of accredited universities working hard to maintain standards. By shutting them down, the FG sends a strong message: only institutions that meet the required academic and infrastructural standards will be allowed to operate.

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7. Lack of Qualified Lecturers and Facilities

A university is not just about buildings, it requires a pool of qualified lecturers, functional libraries, laboratories, and research infrastructure.

Investigations by the NUC revealed that most illegal universities were operating from one-room offices, abandoned buildings, or even church premises, without professors or credible academic staff.

Full List of the 22 Illegal Universities Shut Down

According to the NUC, these are the universities that were declared illegal:

1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating in Lagos.

2. Christians of Charity American University of Science & Technology, Nkpor, Anambra.

3. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos.

4. University of Applied Sciences & Management, Port Novo, Lagos.

5. Blacksmith University, Awka, Anambra.

6. Volta University College, Aba, Abia.

7. Royal University, Izhia, Abakaliki, Ebonyi.

8. Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi.

9. United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo.

10. United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra.

11. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue.

12. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers.

13. Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau.

14. The International University, Missouri, USA (operating in Kano & Lagos).

15. Collumbus University, UK (operating in Nigeria).

16. Tiu International University, UK (operating in Nigeria).

17. Pebbles University, UK (operating in Nigeria).

18. London External Studies UK (operating in Nigeria).

19. Pilgrims University, operating in Nigeria.

20. Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue.

21. West African Christian University, operating in Nigeria.

22. EC-Council University, USA (illegal campus in Nigeria).

The FG shut down 22 illegal universities in Nigeria as a wake-up call to families. Before enrolling in any university, parents and students must confirm accreditation directly from the NUC’s official website. It is also important to visit the campus physically, ask questions, and avoid offers that sound “too good to be true.”

The reasons the FG shut down 22 illegal universities in Nigeria go beyond paperwork. It’s about protecting students, safeguarding national development, and ensuring Nigeria’s educational system is not hijacked by fraudsters.

As parents and students, vigilance is key. Education is an investment, and in a country where opportunities are already scarce, no one can afford to gamble with fake institutions.