The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education, last week Tuesday, announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo.

The ministry noted that its decision followed the undercover investigation conducted by a Nigerian newspaper which exposed the activity of a degree mill in Cotonou, a major city of Benin Republic.

According to the investigation, the investigative reporter bagged a degree from Cotonou University within six weeks and also participated in the mandatory one-year scheme organised by the National Youth Service Corps.

The National Universities Commission, the regulatory agency for universities in Nigeria has also reiterated its commitment towards the eradication of fake universities in Nigeria.

With information from the NUC website, PUNCH Online highlights the list of universities under investigation in the country in the ongoing efforts to weed out varsities awarding fake certificates.

1. National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa State

2. North Central University, Otukpo, Benue State

3. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu.

4. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State.

5. West Coast University, Umuahia.

6. Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State

7. Volta University College, Aba, Abia State.

8. Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University.

9. L. I.F.E Leadership University, Benin City, Edo State.

The NUC also, in a warning posted on its website, said, “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.

“Certificates obtained from these sources will not be recognised for the purposes of NYSC, employment, and further studies. The relevant Law enforcement agencies have also been informed for their further necessary action.”

Recall that a former minister of education, Adamu Adamu, in 2022, said the existence of illegal universities continued to pose a challenge to the attainment of quality education in Nigeria, adding that the government would not rest on its oars in cracking down on illegal universities in the country.

So far, the NUC said it has uncovered 58 illegal universities operating in the country.