FG Speaks On 2,000 Universities, 100 Fake Professors in Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed viral reports alleging that the National Universities Commission (NUC) identified 2,000 universities and uncovered about 100 fake professors in Nigeria, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The Ministry said the NUC never declared the existence of 2,000 universities in the country nor published, endorsed or authenticated the purported list of individuals circulating online as fake professors.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, made the clarification in a statement issued by the Ministry on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the allegation concerning fake professors originated from a distorted version of a media report published on December 3, 2019, regarding an NUC exercise to verify the directory of full professors in Nigerian universities.
It explained that the original report did not contain the names currently being circulated on social media, adding that the Commission had since disowned the purported list.
The Ministry expressed concern over the continued circulation of the claims, noting that the misinformation was capable of undermining public confidence in Nigerian universities and discrediting efforts to strengthen the country’s education sector.
It urged members of the public, media organisations and social media users to disregard the reports and verify information concerning recognised universities and academic standards through the NUC’s official communication channels.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with the NUC to safeguard academic integrity, strengthen quality assurance and protect the credibility and global reputation of Nigeria’s university education system.
