Nigerian authorities uncover fake university, rescue 106 students

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos have dismantled a suspected fake distance-learning center, rescuing 106 students who were allegedly lured into the scheme.

The center, operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, falsely claimed affiliation with a foreign university. The NSCDC's Badagry Area Command conducted the operation early Monday after days of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The alleged proprietor, who has been arrested and is cooperating with investigators, reportedly recruited young Nigerians and individuals from neighboring West African countries. Students were promised admission to a foreign tertiary institution and charged fees ranging from 200,000 Nigerian naira (approximately $135) to $500.

Preliminary investigations suggest the scheme operated like a Ponzi or chain-marketing system. Participants were allegedly promised financial commissions for recruiting new students. Some victims reported paying fees and then recruiting family members to earn these commissions. The NSCDC also found evidence of participants promoting unidentified products online and earning percentages from sales and recruitment.

The rescued students, primarily aged 19 to 24, hailed from various parts of Nigeria and neighboring countries like Niger, Cameroon, and Togo. The NSCDC is contacting their families and continuing its investigation into the alleged fraud.

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We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody.