The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a suspected fake university operating from a residential apartment in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 106 young people allegedly deceived with promises of admission into a foreign institution.
The operation, carried out by the NSCDC Badagry Area Command, led to the arrest of the alleged proprietor of the institution, which authorities said had been operating without registration, accreditation or a physical campus. The raid followed days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance by NSCDC operatives.
According to the NSCDC, the illegal institution was operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Badagry, while presenting itself online as a distance-learning centre affiliated with an unnamed foreign university. Investigators said the operation had no official name, signboard or recognised campus.
The Badagry Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the 106 rescued victims, mostly between the ages of 19 and 24, had been recruited from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries, including Niger, Cameroon and Togo.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims paid between ₦200,000 and ₦1.5 million in tuition and processing fees, while some foreign recruits reportedly paid between $400 and $500 in admission-related charges. Authorities believe the suspects used false promises of obtaining internationally recognised degrees to lure the victims into the scheme.
The rescued students have been taken into protective custody for profiling and further investigation, while the arrested suspect remains in custody as the NSCDC expands its investigation to identify other collaborators and determine whether the operation is linked to a wider cross-border fraud or human trafficking network.
The incident highlights the persistent challenge of illegal “degree mills” in Nigeria. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has repeatedly warned prospective students and parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before seeking admission, noting that several illegal universities have been shut down for operating without government approval.
The NSCDC urged members of the public to exercise caution when applying to educational institutions, especially those promising foreign degrees or online programmes without verifiable accreditation. The Corps also encouraged prospective students to confirm the legitimacy of universities through the NUC before making any payments.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing, with more arrests possible as efforts continue to dismantle the network behind the alleged admission scam.
