The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered an alleged illegal tertiary institution operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing more than 100 students who were reportedly enrolled under false promises of obtaining recognised university qualifications.
The operation exposed what authorities believe was an unregistered education scheme that allegedly recruited young people from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries with claims of offering affordable higher education and internationally recognised degrees. Several students were escorted from the residential property during the raid, while the suspected operator was taken into custody for investigation.
Brandspur Brand News gathered that many of the affected students are believed to have paid substantial tuition fees before discovering that the institution lacked the facilities, accreditation and infrastructure expected of a recognised university.
Initial findings indicate that the premises had no visible signs of functioning as an approved higher institution, raising concerns about the activities carried out at the location and the methods allegedly used to attract prospective students.
The development has renewed concerns over the activities of fraudulent educational operators targeting admission seekers, particularly at a time when competition for spaces in accredited tertiary institutions remains intense. Education regulators have consistently warned prospective students and parents to confirm the accreditation status of institutions before making payments or accepting admission offers.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations to determine the full scale of the operation, identify other individuals connected to the alleged scheme and establish the total number of students affected.
The latest discovery highlights the growing need for stronger public awareness and regulatory enforcement against illegal education providers, as security agencies intensify efforts to protect students from fraudulent admission schemes across Nigeria.
