A coalition of academics, students, alumni, and concerned citizens has urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to take immediate regulatory action against social media comedians and content creators misusing the term “university” to promote unaccredited institutions. In a petition led by the Coalition of Academics and Professors for Qualified Use of Academic Titles (CAPQAT), the group condemned the proliferation of “fake universities” advertised on platforms like Tiktok, which they argue misleads the public and undermines Nigeria’s academic integrity. The petition, cites laws such as the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, which imposes penalties of up to N1 million or imprisonment for operating unaccredited institutions, and calls for stricter enforcement to blacklist such entities.
The coalition highlighted specific concerns about content creators using the “university” label to market dubious programs, often tied to honorary degrees or unaccredited online courses, which confuse prospective students and devalue legitimate qualifications. CAPQAT’s leader, Prof. Adeyemi, emphasized the need for public clarification that honorary doctorates and non-academic certifications do not confer titles like “Dr.,” urging the NUC to prosecute offenders. The group also pointed to the absence of enforcement as a key issue, despite existing legal frameworks like the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria Act, which prescribes penalties for unauthorized use of academic titles.
