NSCDC Busts Fake University Operating From Three-Bedroom Apartment in Lagos, Rescues 106 Youths

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has shut down a suspected fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Badagry, Lagos State, in what officials describe as one of the country's biggest crackdowns on illegal tertiary institutions.

During the operation, 106 youths between the ages of 19 and 24 were rescued after they were allegedly lured into enrolling in bogus degree programmes with promises of earning foreign qualifications.

Students Paid Up to ₦1.5 Million

According to the NSCDC, the alleged operators charged Nigerian students between ₦200,000 and ₦1.5 million as admission and processing fees.

Authorities also revealed that victims from neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Niger and Togo, allegedly paid between $400 and $500 to secure admission into the unregistered institution.

No Name, No Campus, No Licence

Investigators said the so-called university had no official name, no signboard and no physical campus.

Instead, it reportedly operated from a rented residential apartment while presenting itself online as a distance-learning institution affiliated with an unnamed foreign university.

The NSCDC said the institution was not licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and had no legal authority to award degrees.

Proprietor Arrested

The Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the operation followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

He confirmed that the alleged proprietor has been arrested and is assisting investigators.

According to Ekunola, many parents had no idea what their children were actually doing in Badagry.

"One of the parents we contacted said she believed her son had come to Badagry to learn a trade. She had no idea he was involved in this so-called university programme," he said.

Alleged Recruitment Scheme

Investigators said the operation went beyond fake admissions.

The NSCDC alleged that students were encouraged to recruit other people into the programme in exchange for commissions, creating what officials described as a Ponzi-style recruitment network.

Some victims reportedly received referral bonuses after persuading friends and relatives to join, while others were allegedly instructed to market products online for commissions.

Cross-Border Concerns

Because some of the victims were recruited from neighbouring West African countries, investigators are also examining whether elements of cross-border trafficking or organised fraud may have been involved.

The NSCDC said investigations are ongoing to identify possible collaborators and determine whether similar illegal institutions are operating elsewhere in Nigeria.

NUC Warns Against Degree Mills

The case has renewed concerns over the activities of unaccredited institutions, commonly known as degree mills.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has repeatedly warned Nigerians to verify the accreditation status of any institution before paying tuition fees, stressing that only approved universities are legally permitted to award degrees.

Education experts say prospective students should always confirm a school's registration through official NUC channels before seeking admission.

Investigation Continues

The rescued students have been placed in protective custody for profiling and are expected to be reunited with their families after the process is completed.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC says it is expanding its investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged operation and bring everyone involved to justice.