NSCDC busts fake university in Lagos, rescues 106 youths [Photos]

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Area Command, has uncovered a suspected fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, rescuing 106 youths allegedly recruited into the scheme.

The command also arrested the alleged proprietor of the institution, accused of luring young people from across Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday after days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance by NSCDC operatives.

According to the corps, the suspected institution operated without an official name, registration, signboard or recognised campus, while allegedly presenting itself online as a distance-learning centre affiliated with a foreign university.

Speaking on the raid, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the operation followed credible intelligence.

«“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody,” Ekunola said.»

Investigations revealed that the rescued youths, mostly between the ages of 19 and 24, were recruited from several Nigerian states, including Kogi, Oyo and parts of northern Nigeria. Others reportedly travelled from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Cameroon and Togo after being recruited online.

Preliminary findings showed that victims allegedly paid admission and processing fees ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million, while some foreign nationals paid between $400 and $500 after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution.

The NSCDC also discovered that participants were allegedly required to recruit more students in exchange for commissions.

Investigators said the operation appeared to function like a Ponzi or chain-marketing scheme, with participants promised increasing financial rewards based on the number of new recruits they introduced.

One victim reportedly told investigators that after paying $400, he persuaded his brother in Kogi State to enrol and had already begun receiving referral commissions.

The command further uncovered allegations that some participants were involved in promoting unidentified products online while earning commissions from product sales and recruitment.

Ekunola expressed concern that many parents were unaware of what their children were actually doing in Badagry.

«“We have started contacting their families. One parent told us her child informed the family that he came to Badagry to learn a trade, not to attend a university. That shows many of these parents were completely unaware,” he said.»

He added that all the rescued youths would be profiled before being reunited with their families after investigations.

The area commander said anyone found culpable in operating the alleged fake institution would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The NSCDC said investigations have been expanded to identify other collaborators, uncover the full network behind the operation and determine whether similar schemes are operating in other parts of the country.

The discovery has renewed concerns over the growing number of fraudulent online admission schemes targeting young Nigerians and foreign nationals seeking opportunities to study abroad.

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