‘Ghe Ghe University’: Coalition Urges NUC to Crack Down on Social Media ‘Universities’
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
A coalition of academics, students, alumni, and concerned citizens has raised fresh concerns over the misuse of the word “university” by social media comedians and content creators. The group has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to take urgent regulatory action against what it described as a growing threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
In a strongly worded protest letter addressed to the NUC Executive Secretary and its Board, the coalition condemned the rise of parody institutions such as “Ghe Ghe University” and “Blessing CEO University,” stressing that the use of the legally protected term “university” in comedic skits and online branding undermines the credibility of real academic institutions.
Integrity of Higher Education Under Threat
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Dr. Charles Ekeh, Spokesperson for the Coalition for Protection of Academic Integrity in Nigeria, argued that the reckless appropriation of the word “university” erodes the respect and recognition genuine institutions have painstakingly earned.
“The term ‘university’ is a legally protected designation earned through rigorous accreditation. Allowing comedians to adopt this title dilutes its meaning and disrespects the years of dedication and excellence behind genuine academic institutions,” he stated.
The coalition pointed out that the NUC Act explicitly prohibits the use of the word “university” by any institution that has not been accredited or authorised. It warned that the Commission’s silence could embolden individuals or groups to continue trivialising education, further weakening public confidence in Nigerian universities.
Risk of Misleading the Public
Beyond issues of credibility, the group raised concerns about the risk of exploitation and deception. While parody names may appear humorous, the coalition cautioned that uninformed or vulnerable individuals might mistakenly assume such “universities” are legitimate educational providers. This, it said, could open the door to scams, fraudulent courses, and fake certifications — worsening the already significant problem of degree racketeering in the country.
“Genuine Nigerian universities are vital to national development and global competitiveness. Equating them with comedic pages erodes their standing both locally and internationally,” Dr. Ekeh warned.
Specific Demands to the NUC
The coalition outlined several urgent actions it expects the NUC to undertake, including:
- A public condemnation of the unauthorised usage of the term “university” by content creators.
- Issuance of cease-and-desist orders to offending social media accounts.
- Collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and social media platforms to enforce compliance.
- Launch of a public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on how to identify accredited institutions and avoid falling victim to misleading entities.
The group emphasised that its protest is not an attack on comedy or creative expression but a defence of the sanctity of education.
“Defending Education is Not a Joke”
In closing, Dr. Ekeh stated:
“This protest is not aimed at curbing creativity or humour. Nigerian comedians have the right to entertain. However, defending our academic institutions’ integrity is not a joke. The word ‘university’ carries weight, and it must be protected from misuse if we are to preserve the dignity of our education system.”
The coalition’s call has since sparked a wider debate on social media, with many Nigerians divided between viewing parody “universities” as harmless fun and recognising the dangers of normalising such misuse.
As of press time, the NUC has yet to issue an official response. However, stakeholders argue that its intervention is necessary to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s universities, restore public trust, and ensure that humour does not become a cover for exploitation.
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