A coalition of academics, students, alumni, and concerned citizens has issued a protest calling on the National Universities Commission, NUC, to take swift regulatory action against social media comedians and content creators who use the term “university” without authorization.
In a letter to the Executive Secretary and Board of the NUC, the coalition condemned the trend of parody institutions like “Geh Geh University” and “Blessing CEO University,” describing it as more than harmless comedy but a threat to the integrity of Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Charles Ekeh, spokesperson for the Coalition for Protection of Academic Integrity in Nigeria, stated that “the term ‘university’ is a legally protected designation earned through rigorous accreditation. Allowing comedians to adopt this title dilutes its meaning and disrespects the years of dedication and excellence behind genuine academic institutions.”
He noted that the use of “university” by social media figures undermines the credibility of institutions accredited by the NUC. The coalition reminded the NUC that its Act prohibits the use of the word “university” without approval, warning that ignoring the issue weakens its regulatory authority.
Ekeh further warned that while some audiences view the content as entertainment, uninformed individuals could mistakenly believe these parodies provide legitimate courses or certificates, exposing them to fraud. He added that equating Nigerian universities with comedic pages erodes their national and global standing.
According to the coalition, such misuse also creates room for fraudulent degree mills to exploit the “comedy” label, complicating efforts to curb certificate racketeering.
Their demands include an official condemnation by the NUC of the misuse of “university,” issuing cease-and-desist orders to the offending creators, working with the National Communication Commission and social media companies to enforce compliance, and launching a public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on accredited universities.
Ekeh clarified that the protest is not aimed at stifling creativity but at safeguarding the nation’s academic system. “Defending our academic institutions’ integrity is not a joke,” he said.
What you should know
Dr. Charles Ekeh and the coalition are pushing the NUC to take action against comedians misusing “university,” stressing that the term carries legal and academic weight.
They argue that unchecked parody institutions risk misleading the public, damaging Nigeria’s higher education reputation, and enabling fraud.
