The Federal Government of Nigeria has banned 18 foreign universities operating in the country, referring to them as “degree mills.” The affected institutions include five universities from the United States, six from the United Kingdom, and three from Ghana. The National Universities Commission (NUC) clarified 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 affected universities includes institutions from the Republic of Benin, Togo, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ghana. The NUC warned Nigerians to avoid enrolling in these unlicensed institutions. Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Education temporarily suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo. This decision follows an undercover investigative report exposing fake degree certificates from a Beninese university.
The Ministry of Education stated that the suspension would continue pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria, the two countries, and the Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps. The ministry also emphasized the need for public support, understanding, and the provision of useful information to assist in finding lasting solutions to prevent further occurrences.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider the suspension, expressing concern about its impact on legitimate students who have pursued education in the affected countries. NANS suggested a reassessment while distinguishing between those involved in fraudulent activities and genuine students who have pursued their education sincerely.
This move by the government aims to address issues of fake degrees and diploma mills and strengthen the credibility of the accreditation system for foreign degrees.
