In a recent development, the Nigerian federal government has taken decisive action against alleged infractions committed by three Ghanaian universities by banning these institutions from operating
SOURCE: GHANAWEB
The institutions in question are the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana; Cape Coast University, Ghana; and the privately-run Volta University College, Ho, but these Ghanaian Universities are yet to comment on this developing stories.
The government’s decision stems from an investigative report conducted by a journalist, unveiling a concerning trend where universities in neighboring Benin and Togo were illicitly distributing degrees within a mere six weeks, tainted by corruption. The Daily Nigerian exposé highlighted a thriving certificate racketeering syndicate in countries like Benin Republic and Togo, specializing in selling university degrees to eager buyers in Nigeria.
Other Foreign Universities Banned Aside the Ghanaian Universities
- University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
- International University, Missouri, USA, Kano, and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria;
- Collumbus University, United Kingdom, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
- Tiu International University, UK;
- Pebbles University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria;
- London External Studies UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria;
- Pilgrims University, operating anywhere in Nigeria;
- West African Christian University, operating 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;
- African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria;
- Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre and Evangel University of America & Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
During the investigation, an undercover reporter successfully obtained a university degree from Cotonou in just six weeks, emphasizing the affordability of the process. The certificate and transcript showcased the authentic scan code of Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, Benin Republic. Notably, the document indicated that the reporter commenced the program in 2018 and graduated on September 5, 2022.
In response to these revelations, the Nigerian government has imposed a ban on 18 foreign universities operating within its borders, categorizing them as “degree mills.” The directive, issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC), specifically names five universities from the United States, six from the United Kingdom, and others in the subregion, particularly in Togo and Benin. The NUC emphasized that these institutions had not been licensed by the Federal Government and, as a result, have been ordered to shut down.
As a precautionary measure, Nigerians are warned to avoid enrolling in these unaccredited universities, underscoring the importance of pursuing education in recognized and licensed institutions to safeguard the integrity of academic qualifications.
