NUC reconstitutes committee to tackle illegal universities

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has reconstituted its Committee on Degree Mills as part of renewed efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal universities in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a post shared on the commission’s official X handle on Friday.

While inaugurating the committee, the NUC Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, emphasised the importance of protecting the credibility and integrity of university education within the Nigerian University System.

Ribadu said the committee was set up to strengthen the commission’s resolve to combat activities that undermine the quality and legitimacy of university degrees in the country.

According to him, addressing the menace of degree mills is crucial to maintaining academic standards and preserving the reputation of Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The committee is chaired by the Director of Inspection and Monitoring at the NUC, Justina Emerole, and comprises representatives from key directorates within the commission.

Its responsibilities include identifying and investigating suspected illegal universities, gathering evidence for prosecution, and verifying claims by institutions that purport to have affiliations with local or foreign universities.

The commission said the committee will also work closely with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

These collaborations are aimed at shutting down illegal institutions and prosecuting those involved in their operations.

In addition, the committee will spearhead public awareness campaigns and propose policy measures to strengthen regulatory actions against the activities of degree mills across the country.