Lagos authorities move to protect students from degree mills and fraudulent operators
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has intensified its clampdown on illegal educational institutions in Lagos, with operatives recently uncovering a suspected fake university that was allegedly enrolling students without accreditation from the National Universities Commission.While details are still emerging, the operation adds to a growing list of interventions by security agencies aimed at protecting Nigerians from educational fraud.
The Operation and What Was Found
According to standard NSCDC procedures for such cases, the Lagos State Command acted on credible intelligence about an institution operating without NUC approval and allegedly admitting students into unrecognized degree programs.
In previous operations of this nature, NSCDC officials have posed as prospective students to confirm allegations before making arrests. The Corps has repeatedly warned that many of these centres lure unsuspecting candidates with promises of quick admission, cheap tuition, and guaranteed certificates.
The Lagos Command has previously arrested individuals running illegal JAMB registration centres for overcharging candidates and operating without accreditation. Commandant-General Abdullahi Haba Muhammadu had directed all state commands to identify and fish out operators of illegal admission and registration centres across the country.
Why Fake Universities Thrive in Lagos
Lagos remains a prime target for fraudulent academic operators because of its large population of admission seekers and high demand for tertiary education.The National Universities Commission has listed dozens of institutions operating illegally across Nigeria. In its latest public notice, NUC named several Lagos-based centres including University of Industry, Yaba, EC-Council USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre, and Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja as illegal.
NUC has warned: “For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronises or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk”. The commission also confirmed that law enforcement agencies have been notified for necessary action.
Education fraud in Nigeria often extends beyond fake universities. NSCDC has also arrested suspects for cybercrime rings operating in Ojodu Berger and fake NYSC members collecting money from parents under the guise of school programs.
Impact on Students and Families
Victims of fake institutions often discover the truth too late, after spending years and millions of naira, only to find their certificates are not recognized for NYSC, jobs, or further study.
In similar cases reported by NUC and other schools, fraudsters use official letterheads, stamps, and even claim affiliation with recognized schools to appear legitimate. Some even direct students to JAMB offices in Ikoyi to obtain registration PINs as part of the deception.The NSCDC says its mandate includes protecting critical national infrastructure, and that now extends to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s education system. The Corps has urged parents, landlords, and school owners to report suspicious academic activities.
What Authorities Are Doing Next
Following discoveries of illegal operators, NSCDC typically hands suspects over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. Courts have previously sentenced offenders to prison terms as a deterrent.The NUC continues to publish and update its list of illegal universities and advises prospective students to verify any institution through its official portal before admission. The Commission also works with security agencies to ensure operators of degree mills face legal consequences.
How to Avoid Falling Victim
Education experts and regulators advise students and parents to:
Verify accreditation: Check if the university is listed by NUC before paying any fees.
Beware of shortcuts: Any institution promising admission without JAMB or with “guaranteed graduation” should raise red flags.
Visit official campuses: Legitimate universities operate from approved campuses only. NUC has clarified that some schools have no distance learning or satellite campuses.
Report suspicious activity: NSCDC and NUC both have channels for reporting suspected fake institutions.
The uncovering of suspected fake universities is part of a wider national effort to sanitize the education sector. With thousands of young Nigerians seeking admission yearly, the pressure creates room for fraudsters to exploit desperation.
NSCDC’s Lagos Command, under the directive of the Commandant-General, says it will not relent in “ridding Lagos State of crimes”, including those that target students.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant. A degree is an investment in the future, but only if it comes from a legitimate institution.
This article will be updated as the NSCDC Lagos Command releases an official statement with full details on the suspected institution and the number of students involved.
