ABUJA: A coalition comprising academics, students, alumni, and concerned Nigerians has petitioned the National Universities Commission NUC to take firm action against social media comedians and influencers who present their platforms as “universities.”
In a protest letter addressed to the NUC Executive Secretary and its Board, the group expressed dismay over the proliferation of parody institutions such as “Geh Geh University” and “Blessing CEO University.”
They argued that trivialising the title “university” poses a serious danger to the credibility of Nigeria’s higher education system.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr Charles Ekeh of the Coalition for the Protection of Academic Integrity in Nigeria, noted that “university” is a legally protected designation strictly reserved for institutions that meet accreditation standards.
He warned that allowing comedians and influencers to freely exploit the name could diminish the value of accredited universities.
The petition further cited provisions of the NUC Act which prohibit the use of “university” without due approval.
According to the coalition, failure to enforce this law not only emboldens parody operators but also risks misleading unsuspecting Nigerians who may fall victim to scams.
Dr Ekeh also stressed that equating reputable universities with comedy pages tarnishes the international reputation of Nigerian institutions and could provide cover for fraudulent degree mills.
The coalition therefore urged the NUC to publicly denounce the practice, issue cease-and-desist orders, collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission and social media platforms on enforcement, and launch awareness campaigns to help the public distinguish accredited universities from fake ones.
While clarifying that the call was not an attack on creative expression, Dr Ekeh insisted that protecting the sanctity of the country’s higher education system must remain paramount. “Safeguarding the integrity of our universities is no joking matter,” he said.
