FG Debunks Viral Claims of 2,000 Universities, 100 Fake Professors in Nigeria
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has debunked viral reports alleging that Nigeria has 2,000 universities and that about 100 professors were identified as fake, describing the claims as false, misleading and recycled misinformation aimed at discrediting the country’s university system.
The Federal Ministry of Education made the clarification in a press release dated November 14, 2026, signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, stating that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had neither made such declarations nor authenticated the circulating lists of alleged fake professors.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, categorically stated that the NUC had never declared the existence of 2,000 universities in Nigeria or published, endorsed or verified the purported list of individuals being circulated online as fake professors.
The Ministry explained that the allegation concerning fake professors was a distorted version of a media report published on December 3, 2019, which related to an NUC exercise to verify the directory of full professors in Nigerian universities.
According to the Ministry, the original report did not contain the names currently being circulated, adding that the Commission had since disowned the purported list.
It expressed concern over the persistent recycling of the claims, warning that they were calculated to undermine public confidence in Nigerian universities and discredit ongoing efforts to strengthen the education sector.
The Ministry urged members of the public, media organisations and social media users to disregard the fabricated reports and verify information concerning recognised universities and academic standards through the NUC’s official channels.
It emphasised that the dissemination of unverified information could damage the credibility and reputation of the nation’s university system.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to supporting the NUC in safeguarding academic integrity, strengthening quality assurance and protecting the credibility and global reputation of Nigeria’s university education system,” the statement said.
The clarification comes amid the circulation of misleading claims online concerning the number of universities in Nigeria and the credentials of academics, with the Ministry reiterating its commitment to preserving the integrity of higher education in the country.
