The National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory body for university education in Nigeria responsible for ensuring quality and standards in the Nigerian University System (NUS), has released a list of 18 foreign universities that are banned from operating in the country.
This is coming following the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo.
These universities are either unlicensed, unaccredited, or substandard, according to the NUC.
The NUC warned the public, especially parents and prospective students, to avoid patronizing these universities, as their certificates will not be recognized in Nigeria.
The list of the banned foreign universities is as follows:
- University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
- Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
- The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centers; or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
- Collumbus University, UK operates anywhere in Nigeria.
- Tiu International University, UK operates anywhere in Nigeria.
- Pebbles University, UK operates anywhere in Nigeria.
- London External Studies UK operates anywhere in Nigeria.
- Pilgrims University operates anywhere in Nigeria.
- West African Christian University operates anywhere in Nigeria.
- EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
- Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
- Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
- Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
- University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
- Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
- African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
- Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
- Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
Why did the NUC ban these foreign universities?
The NUC banned these foreign universities for various reasons, such as:
- They do not have the necessary approval or accreditation from the relevant authorities in their home countries or in Nigeria.
- They offer substandard or fraudulent programs that do not meet the minimum standards of the NUC or the international best practices.
- They exploit unsuspecting Nigerian students by charging exorbitant fees and issuing fake certificates.
- They violate the Education (National Minimum Standards etc.) Act CAP E3 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which regulates the provision of trans-national education in Nigeria.
What are the implications of the ban for Nigerian students?
The ban means that Nigerian students who enroll in these foreign universities will not be recognized as graduates in Nigeria. They will not be able to use their certificates for further studies, employment, or professional registration in Nigeria. They will also lose their money and time invested in these universities.
The NUC advised Nigerian students who wish to study abroad to verify the status and accreditation of the foreign universities they intend to attend, either from the NUC website, the Nigerian missions abroad, or the relevant agencies in the host countries. The NUC also provided a list of approved foreign universities that have valid collaborations or partnerships with Nigerian universities.
How can Nigerian students avoid falling victim to illegal or unaccredited foreign universities?
The NUC urged Nigerian students to be vigilant and cautious when choosing foreign universities to study. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to illegal or unaccredited foreign universities, such as:
- Do a thorough research on the foreign university, its programs, accreditation, fees, and reputation, before applying or paying any money.
- Check the NUC website, the Nigerian missions abroad, or the relevant agencies in the host countries, for the list of approved or recognized foreign universities.
- Contact the NUC or the Nigerian Embassy in the host country, if in doubt or need of clarification, before enrolling or paying any money.
- Report any suspicious or fraudulent activities of any foreign university to the NUC or the appropriate authorities.
