FG Debunks Viral Claims Of 2,000 Universities, 100 Fake Professors In Nigeria

FG Debunks Viral Claims Of 2,000 Universities, 100 Fake Professors In Nigeria

 

The Federal Government has dismissed viral reports claiming that Nigeria has about 2,000 universities and that the National Universities Commission (NUC) recently uncovered 100 fake professors, describing the allegations as fabricated information designed to undermine confidence in the country’s university system.

 

Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the NUC neither made the alleged declarations nor published, endorsed or authenticated the list of individuals currently circulating on social media.

 

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, November 14, 2026, by the Federal Ministry of Education through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

 

The minister explained that the allegation concerning the purported 100 fake professors originated from a media report published on December 3, 2019, which discussed an NUC exercise to verify the directory of full professors in Nigerian universities.

 

According to him, the original report did not contain the names currently being circulated online. He added that the commission had already disowned the purported list and never authenticated it.

 

The ministry also rejected claims that Nigeria has 2,000 universities, insisting that the NUC had never announced such a figure.

 

The Federal Government expressed concern that the repeated circulation of the claims could damage the reputation of Nigerian universities and undermine ongoing efforts to improve standards in the country’s higher education sector.

 

It consequently urged journalists, social media users and members of the public to verify information before sharing reports concerning recognised universities, academic qualifications and the integrity of the university system.

 

The ministry advised Nigerians to consult the NUC’s official communication channels for accurate information about accredited institutions and regulatory decisions.

 

It further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the commission in safeguarding academic integrity, strengthening quality assurance and protecting the international reputation of Nigeria’s university education system.

 

FG Debunks Viral Claims Of 2,000 Universities, 100 Fake Professors In Nigeria