On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC) Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed advised Nigerians to be wary of illegal institutions in Nigeria.
To put aspiring students and their guardians on red alert, he made available the full list of approved universities in Nigeria including the federal, state, and privately-owned institutions.
In September, NUC released the full list of illegal institutions in the country.
They are:
| Name | Location | Note |
| National University of Nigeria | Keffi, Nasarawa | Proprietor is facing prosecution for illegal collection of fees |
| L.I.F.E. Leadership University | Benin City, Edo State | Founder is facing prosecution |
| Royal University of Theology | Minna, Niger State | |
| Kaduna Business School | Kaduna | |
| Coastal University | Iba Oku, Akwa Ibom | Not approved |
| Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University | Egbe Ikotun, Lagos State | |
| National University of Technology | Lafia, Nasarawa State | |
| West African Union University, in collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology | Multiple study centres | |
| University of West Africa | Kwali, FCT, Abuja | |
| African University Cooperative Development (AUCD) Cotonou, Benin Republic | Multiple locations | Dubious and illicit institution |
| Irish University Business School, London | Multiple campuses | Targeted at Nigerians who have preference for foreign institutions |
| Volta University College | Aba, Abia State | Founder declared wanted |
| Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University | ||
| Temple University | Abuja | |
| Southend University | Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers | |
| Metro University | Dutse/Bwari Abuja | |
| Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine | FCT, Abuja | |
| Olympic University | Nsukka, Enugu State | |
| Filfom University | Mbaise, Imo State | |
| Kingdom of Christ University | Abuja | |
| Saint Clements University, | Iyin Ekiti, Ekit State | Founder is facing prosecution |
| Acada University | Akinlalu, Oyo State | |
| Lead Way University | Ugheli, Delta | |
| Halifax Gateway University | Ikeja, Lagos State | This also runs campuses in other locations |
| Concept College/Universities (London) | Ilorin, Kwara State | They have centres in other locations |
| Atlas University | Ikot Udoso Uko in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | |
| West Coast University | Umuahia, Abia State | Illegal collection of fees |
| St. Andrews University College | Abuja | |
| The International University, Missouri USA | Kano and Lagos | |
| EC-Council USA | Ikeja, Lagos Study Centre | |
| Bolta University College | Aba, Abia State | |
| West African Christian University | Multiple campuses | |
| Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University | Enugu State | Owner is facing prosecution |
| Western University | Esie, Kwara State | |
| Collumbus University, UK | ||
| JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) | Kaduna illegal campus | |
| Pilgrims University | Unspecified | |
| Richmond Open University | Arochukwu, Abia State | Founder is facing prosecution |
| Saint Augustine’s University of Technology | Jos, Plateau State | |
| Tiu International University, UK | Centres spread across Nigeria | |
| UNESCO University | Ndoni, Rivers State | The founder uses globally-recognised name to dupe unsuspecting aspiring Nigerian students |
| Pebbles University, UK | Centres spread across Nigeria | |
| United Nigeria University College | Okija, Anambra | |
| Samuel Ahmadu University | Makurdi, Benue State | |
| University of Accountancy and Management Studies | ||
| Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology | Nkpor, Anambra | |
| University of Industry | Yaba, Lagos State | |
| University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin | ||
| Blacksmith University | Awka | |
| London External Studies, UK | Several campuses | |
| Volta University College, Volta Region, Ghana | Not authorised to operate in Nigeria | |
| Royal University | Izhia in Abakaliki, Ebonyi | |
| United Christian University, Macotis campus | Imo State | |
| Atlanta University | Anyigba, Kogi | |
| University of Accountancy and Management Studies | Mowe, Ogun State | |
| North Central University | Otukpo, Benue State | Owner is facing court actions |
| Pacific Western University, Denver – Colorado | Owerri, Imo State | Fake |
| University of Education, Wenneba, Ghana | Multipe campuses | Illegal |
| Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria | Multiple campuses | |
| Atlantic Intercontinental University | Okija, Anambra State | |
| Lobi Business School | Makurdi, Benue State | |
| Enugu State University of Science and Technology | Gboko Campus | Illegal study centre |
| Open International University | Akure, Ondo State | |
| Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic | Lagos | |
| Middle Belt University (North Central University) | Otukpo, Benue State | |
| Cape Coast University, Ghana | Multiple campuses | Fake |
| Career Light Resources Centre | Jos |
Note:
Some of the illegal universities purposely use foreign names or claim to be affiliated with foreign universities to make Nigerians believe.
Nigerians are also advised to make inquiries or check the updated list of universities that have approval from the government agency in charge.
Is European-American University a legitimate Degree Awarding institution in Nigeria