A coalition of academics, students, alumni, and concerned citizens has issued a strong protest, urging the National Universities Commission (NUC) to take immediate regulatory action against social media comedians and content creators who casually brand their platforms as “universities.”
In a formal petition addressed to the Executive Secretary and Board of the NUC, the group condemned the increasing popularity of parody names such as “Geh Geh University” and “Blessing CEO University.” According to them, this trend goes beyond harmless comedy and poses a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Dr. Charles Ekeh, spokesperson for the Coalition for the Protection of Academic Integrity in Nigeria, stressed that the word “university” is not just a label but a legally protected designation earned through rigorous accreditation. He warned that trivializing it in comedy skits undermines the years of scholarship, dedication, and regulatory oversight that define genuine academic institutions.
“The use of ‘university’ by social media personalities devalues the academic standards established by the NUC. It is disrespectful to accredited institutions and dilutes the respect that genuine universities deserve,” Ekeh said.
He pointed out that the NUC Act explicitly forbids any entity from using the term “university” without prior approval, and failure to enforce this law weakens the authority of the regulatory body. While acknowledging that some people view such skits as light-hearted entertainment, Ekeh warned that uninformed audiences could easily mistake parody pages for legitimate institutions, potentially making them vulnerable to scams and fraudulent degree mills.
Ekeh further highlighted that real universities are vital to Nigeria’s national development and global recognition. Equating them with comedic platforms, he said, risks eroding their reputation both locally and internationally. He added that leaving the misuse unchecked could set a dangerous precedent that fraudulent operators might exploit under the guise of “comedy.”
The coalition outlined a series of demands, including:
A public statement from the NUC condemning the unauthorized use of the word “university.”
The issuance of cease-and-desist notices to offending social media accounts.
Collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and major social media platforms to enforce compliance.
A nationwide public education campaign to help citizens identify accredited universities.
Ekeh emphasized that the coalition’s protest is not against creativity or humour, but about safeguarding the sanctity of Nigeria’s educational system.
“Defending the integrity of our universities is not a laughing matter,” he concluded.
