Executive secretary of NUC, Abubakar Rasheed/thechronicleofeducation.com
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has listed 58 universities operating illegally within and outside Nigeria.
Among the affected schools are the University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State, University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos, University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, and Blacksmith University, Akwa.
The body says the institutions have not been approved by the Nigerian government.
It was also gathered that the commission is probing eight universities for illegally running degree programmes.
As stated by a bulletin from the office of the Executive Secretary on NUC, dated May 14, the other illegal varsities included Volta University College, HO, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria, Royal University, Izhia, Ebonyi State, Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi state, United Christian University, Macotis campus, Imo State or any of its other campuses, United Nigeria University College, Okija Anambra State or any of its other campuses, Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its other campuses and UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State or any of its other campuses.
Also affected are Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Pleateu State or any of its other campuses, the International University, Missouri USA, Kano and Lagos studies centres or any of its other campuses in Nigeria, Collumbus University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria, Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria, and Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Others include London External Studies, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria, Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria, Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its campuses in Nigeria, West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria, Bolta University College, Aba or any of its campuses in Nigeria, JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna illegal campus and Western University, Esie Kwara State or any of its campuses in Nigeria, St. Andrews University College, Abuja or any of its other campuses in Nigeria and EC-Council USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
Also listed are Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State or any of its other campuses in Nigeria, Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria, Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja or any of its campuses in Nigeria, Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja or any of its other campuses in Nigeria, Acada University, Akinlalu Oyo state or any of its other campuses in Nigeria, Filfom University, Mbaise, Imo State or any of its other campuses in Nigeria, Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria, Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija Anambra State, Open International University, Akure, Middle Belt University (North Central University) Otukpo, Lead Way University, Ugheli, Delta State, Metro University, Dutse/Bwari Abuja, Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State, Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State, Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja, Temple University, Abuja and Irish University Business School, London, operating anywhere in Nigeria
Others illegal varsities are National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State, University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and its annex at 41, Ikorodu road, Lagos, University of Education, Wenneba Ghana operating anywhere in Nigeria, Cape Coast University, Ghana operating in Nigeria, African University Cooperative Development (AUCD) Cotonou, Benin Republic operating anywhere in Nigeria, Pacific Western University, Denver Colorado, Oweri study centre, Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko campus), Career Light Resources Centre, Jos, University of West Africa, Kwali Abuja, FCT, Coastal University, Iba Oku, Akwa Ibom State, Kaduna Business School, Kaduna, Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State, West African Union University, in collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology, Nigeria operating anywhere in Nigeria and Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University, Egbe Ikotun, Lagos.
The NUC warned against patronising the affected institution as certificates obtained from them would not be recognised for the purposes of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), employment and further studies.