A coalition made up of academics, students, alumni, and concerned Nigerians has petitioned the National Universities Commission (NUC), demanding urgent action against social media creators who brand their platforms with the word “university.”
The petition, addressed to the NUC’s Executive Secretary and Governing Board, raised alarm over the rising trend of parody institutions such as “GehGeh University” and “Blessing CEO University.” According to the group, while these names are often portrayed as comedy, they trivialize the value of higher education and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s university system.
“University” Is a Protected Title – Coalition Warns
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition for Protection of Academic Integrity in Nigeria, Dr. Charles Ekeh stressed that the matter is far from a harmless joke.
“The term ‘university’ is a legally protected designation earned only through rigorous accreditation. When comedians casually adopt this title, it dilutes its meaning and disrespects the hard work behind genuine academic institutions,” he said.
Ekeh further warned that allowing content creators to misuse the title could mislead unsuspecting audiences, fuel fraudulent schemes, and worsen the challenge of fake degree mills in the country.
Citing provisions of the NUC Act, the coalition reminded the commission that no individual, group, or organization has the right to use “university” in its name without proper approval. Failure to enforce the law, they argued, risks diminishing the NUC’s regulatory authority.
Coalition’s Demands
The group called on the NUC to:
- Publicly condemn the practice.
- Issue cease-and-desist orders to offending social media accounts like Gehgeh and Blessing CEO
- Partner with the National Communications Commission (NCC) and digital platforms to ensure compliance.
- Launch a nationwide awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on the difference between accredited universities and parody or fraudulent entities.
Clarifying their stance, Ekeh maintained that the petition is not an attempt to silence comedians or stifle creativity, but a necessary step to protect the credibility of Nigerian education.
“Defending the integrity of our academic institutions is not a joke,” he concluded.
