NSCDC Discovers Fake University in Lagos with 106 Students

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Area Command, discovered a suspected fake university in a three-bedroom apartment located in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday, followed days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance.

The institution had 106 students, mostly aged 19 to 24, who were allegedly recruited from various Nigerian states and neighboring countries, including Niger, Cameroon, and Togo. The proprietor was arrested for allegedly enticing young people with promises of admission into a foreign university.

The institution operated without an official name, registration, or signboard, falsely presenting itself online as a distance-learning center. Students reportedly paid admission fees ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million, while some foreign nationals paid between $400 and $500.

Investigations revealed a Ponzi-like scheme where participants were incentivized to recruit others in exchange for commissions. The NSCDC is contacting the families of the rescued youths.