NSCDC Busts Fake University in Lagos, Rescues 106 Youths from Alleged Admission Scam

NSCDC Busts Fake University in Lagos, Rescues 106 Youths from Alleged Admission Scam

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a suspected fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 106 young people who were allegedly lured with promises of admission into a foreign university.

According to the NSCDC, the illegal institution had no official name, registration, campus, or accreditation. Instead, it allegedly operated online as a distance-learning centre claiming affiliation with a foreign university. The proprietor has been arrested, while the rescued youths have been taken into protective custody as investigations continue.

Preliminary investigations revealed that victims paid between ₦200,000 and ₦1.5 million in admission and processing fees. Some foreign nationals from neighbouring countries reportedly paid between $400 and $500 after being promised overseas university admission. Authorities also alleged that participants were encouraged to recruit others in exchange for commissions, making the operation resemble a pyramid-style recruitment scheme.

The raid followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the NSCDC's Badagry Area Command. Officials said many parents were unaware of what their children had actually enrolled in, believing they had travelled for legitimate education or vocational training.

The incident serves as another reminder for prospective students and parents to verify every institution through the appropriate education authorities before making any payments or accepting admission offers.

No genuine foreign university will ask you to pay huge sums through an unverified apartment or unofficial agents. Always verify before you pay.

What steps do you think authorities should take to stop fake universities and admission scams in Nigeria?