NSCDC Uncovers Alleged Fake University, Rescues 106 Youths in Lagos

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Area Command, has uncovered an alleged fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, rescuing 106 youths reportedly lured into the scheme with promises of admission into a foreign institution.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday after days of intelligence gathering and surveillance, also led to the arrest of the alleged proprietor of the institution, who is currently assisting investigators. The rescued youths, most of whom are between the ages of 19 and 24, have been placed in protective custody for profiling and further investigation.

Speaking on the development, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the raid followed credible intelligence on suspicious activities at the apartment. He disclosed that operatives monitored the location for several days before carrying out the operation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the institution allegedly had no official name, registration, signboard or recognised campus, but presented itself online as a distance-learning centre affiliated with a foreign university. The victims were reportedly recruited from different parts of Nigeria, including Kogi, Oyo and several northern states, while others came from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Cameroon and Togo.

Investigators further discovered that prospective students were allegedly required to pay admission and processing fees ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million, while some foreign nationals reportedly paid between $400 and $500. The scheme also allegedly encouraged participants to recruit others in exchange for commissions, operating in a manner similar to a chain marketing or Ponzi-style arrangement.

The NSCDC said some of the rescued youths were also allegedly involved in promoting unidentified products online and earning commissions from sales and recruitment. According to the agency, many parents were unaware of the actual activities their children were engaged in after travelling to Badagry.

Ekunola assured that all those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law after investigations are concluded. He also urged parents and young people to verify the accreditation of institutions before making payments or accepting admission offers, warning against fraudulent online recruitment and education schemes.

The discovery has renewed concerns over the activities of fraudulent admission syndicates targeting young Nigerians and foreign nationals seeking educational opportunities, with stakeholders calling for greater public awareness and stricter monitoring of unaccredited educational operations.