‘GEH GEH UNIVERSITY’: Coalition Demands NUC Sanction Social Media ‘Universities’

 ‘GEH GEH UNIVERSITY’: Coalition Demands NUC Sanction Social Media ‘Universities’

A coalition of academics, students, alumni, and concerned citizens has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to clamp down on social media comedians and influencers who brand their platforms as “universities.”

In a protest letter addressed to the NUC Executive Secretary and Board, the group condemned the growing trend of parody institutions such as “Geh Geh University” and “Blessing CEO University.” They argued that the misuse of the term “university” is not just harmless fun but a direct threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s higher education system.

Dr. Charles Ekeh, spokesperson for the Coalition for the Protection of Academic Integrity in Nigeria, stressed that “university” is a legally protected designation, reserved for institutions that undergo strict accreditation. He warned that allowing comedians to adopt the title erodes the respect and standards earned by accredited universities.

The coalition noted that the NUC Act prohibits any institution from using “university” without approval, warning that failure to act emboldens parody accounts and undermines regulatory authority. They also cautioned that unsuspecting individuals could mistake such platforms for legitimate institutions, exposing them to scams.

Dr. Ekeh further highlighted that equating accredited universities with comedic pages damages the global reputation of Nigerian higher institutions and risks encouraging fraudulent degree mills to exploit the guise of “comedy.”

The coalition demanded that the NUC issue a public condemnation, serve cease-and-desist orders on offenders, partner with the National Communication Commission and social media companies for enforcement, and roll out public sensitisation campaigns to help Nigerians identify accredited universities.

He clarified that the protest was not against creativity but about protecting the sanctity of the education system. “Defending the integrity of our universities is no laughing matter,” he said.