Illegal Universities to Avoid in Nigeria: NUC’s 2025 Crackdown
In addition to keeping track of and prosecuting illegal universities that operate throughout Nigeria, alerting potential students to the dangers involved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is also a vital move.
The NUC has reaffirmed for 2025 that degrees earned from these schools will not be accepted for further education, employment, or National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) objectives. The goal of this crackdown is to guarantee Nigerian higher education’s legitimacy and quality.
What Are Illegal Universities?
These are universities that don’t have NUC accreditation and frequently provide false degrees or poor instruction. Graduates from these schools encounter major obstacles since legal entities do not accept their credentials.
Some of these universities operate unlawful satellite campuses in Nigeria through their links with overseas educational institutions. The NUC stated again that before enrolling, students should confirm the commission’s standing of any institution.
Consequences and Legal Actions
Prospective students can prevent becoming victims of these unaccredited schools and obtain a valid and respected education by remaining educated and exercising caution while making judgments.
A number of the owners of these illicit institutions are being prosecuted, and certain universities are being investigated further. To bring charges against those behind these degree mills, the NUC is still working with law authorities.
When choosing a university, the NUC urges parents and students to exercise caution and make sure the institution is registered and accredited by the commission. Students are advised to stay away from any interaction with these institutions and to check the NUC’s official website for updates.
The Complete NUC 2025’s List of Unaccredited Universities in Nigeria
Here is the full list of illegal universities in Nigeria as released by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for 2025. These institutions operate without proper accreditation and are considered illegal by the NUC.
Students are advised to avoid these schools:
- University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin (and campuses in Nigeria)
- Blacksmith University, Awka, Anambra State
- Volta University College, Ho, Ghana (and campuses in Nigeria)
- Royal University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi State
- United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State
- United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State
- Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State
- UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State
- Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau State
- The International University, Missouri, USA (campuses in Nigeria)
- Collumbus University, UK (campuses in Nigeria)
- Tiu International University, UK (campuses in Nigeria)
- Pebbles University, UK (campuses in Nigeria)
- London External Studies, UK (campuses in Nigeria)
- Pilgrims University, Nigeria
- Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue State
- West African Christian University, Nigeria
- Bolta University College, Aba, Abia State
- JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University), Kaduna (illegal campus)
- Western University, Esie, Kwara State
- St. Andrews University College, Abuja
- EC-Council USA (Ikeja, Lagos Study Centre)
- Atlas University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- Concept College/Universities (London), Ilorin, Nigeria
- Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja, Lagos
- Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja
- Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo State
- Filfom University, Mbaise, Imo State
- Houdegbe North American University (campuses in Nigeria)
- Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija, Anambra State
- Open International University, Akure, Ondo State
- Middle Belt University (North Central University), Otukpo, Benue State
- Lead Way University, Ughelli, Delta State
- Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja
- Southend University, Rivers State
- Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State
- Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja
- Temple University, Abuja
- Irish University Business School, London (campuses in Nigeria)
- National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State
- University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Lagos and Mowe, Ogun State
- University of Education, Winneba, Ghana (campuses in Nigeria)
- Cape Coast University, Ghana (campuses in Nigeria)
- African University Cooperative Development (AUCD), Benin Republic (campuses in Nigeria)
- Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado (Owerri Study Centre)
- Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academy, Lagos
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (illegal campus in Gboko)
- Career Light Resources Centre, Jos, Plateau State
- University of West Africa, 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 the International Professional College of Administration, Science, and Technology, Nigeria)
- Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF) Theological University, Lagos
Furthermore, some universities, such as the University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operate multiple campuses nationwide, including Lagos and Mowe, despite repeated warnings.
Suspected Universities Under Investigation 2025
In addition, some of these institutions are under investigation or court action for fraud, including:
- National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa State
- Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State
- Volta University College, Aba, Abia State.
- Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu
- Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University.
- L.I.F.E Leadership University, Benin City, Edo State.
- West Coast University, Umuahia
- North Central University, Otukpo. Benue State
- Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State
Note: To be clear, anyone who uses or receives a certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at their own risk. Certificates earned from these sources will not be accepted for NYSC, job, and future education purposes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of illegal institutions throughout Nigeria remains a significant challenge, as highlighted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in its 24/25 report.
The existence of these unaccredited institutions, which continue to exploit the demand for higher education, poses severe risks to students and the integrity of the Nigerian educational system.
These universities not only offer substandard education but also leave graduates with certificates that are not recognized by employers, NYSC, or for further studies.
The NUC’s proactive stance in identifying and shutting down these universities, along with their efforts to raise awareness, is crucial in curbing this problem. However, the persistence of these institutions despite multiple crackdowns points to underlying issues such as regulatory gaps, corruption, and lack of public awareness.
The NUC keeps up-to-date listings of illegal institutions and encourages the public to confirm an institution’s accreditation status before enrolling to protect students from becoming victims of these kinds of establishments.
Addressing this expanding issue deep within Nigeria’s education sector requires increased enforcement, public education, and collaboration between the NUC and law enforcement.
Students and their families can secure a legitimate future through accredited and recognized colleges and avoid the repercussions of illicit university enrollment by remaining aware and watchful.
