The National Universities Commission (NUC) has pointed to the widespread existence of illegal degree-awarding institutions as a consequence of parental emphasis on university certification.
Acting Executive Secretary Mr. Chris Maiyaki, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, highlighted that unaccredited degree-awarding institutions and satellite campuses are strictly prohibited in the country.
Maiyaki urged parents to thoroughly scrutinize institutions before enrolling their children to obtain certificates, emphasizing the importance of responsible pursuit of university education.
He revealed that a committee had been established to eradicate illegal institutions nationwide, especially satellite campuses. In 2000, the NUC conducted a resource assessment of all outreach centers, leading to a ban on satellite campuses. Subsequently, a committee was formed to address the issue, closing down these centers.
Despite the ban, the challenge persisted, prompting the NUC to reconstitute a committee in 2021 to identify and prosecute operators of illegal institutions. This collaborative effort, involving security agencies, has been successful in curbing the proliferation of unaccredited universities.
