A coalition comprising Nigerian academics, students, alumni, and concerned citizens has formally petitioned the National Universities Commission, urging regulatory action against content creators and comedians who attach the term “university” to their personal brands.
This follows growing concerns about the rise of parody institutions on social media, with Geh Geh University emerging as one of the most prominent.
The coalition expressed apprehension over the impact of such parody universities, highlighting how platforms like “Geh Geh University” and “Blessing CEO University” could undermine the credibility of accredited institutions. They warned that while these pages may appear humorous, they pose a risk of misinforming the public and diminishing the value of legitimate higher education in Nigeria.
Speaking for the group, Dr. Charles Ekeh stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the term “university.” He stated: “The term ‘university’ is legally protected and earned through rigorous accreditation. Allowing comedians to adopt it dilutes its meaning and disrespects the years of dedication and excellence behind genuine academic institutions.” According to the coalition, there is a real danger that some individuals may misinterpret these parody accounts as genuine educational establishments, potentially enabling fraud.
The petition urged the NUC to issue public condemnations and cease-and-desist letters to those misusing the term. It also raised concerns about the possibility of such parodies providing cover for degree mills, complicating efforts to combat the proliferation of fake certificates across the country.
The coalition concluded by emphasizing the critical role real universities play in Nigeria’s development and global reputation. They warned that equating these respected institutions with comedy brands could have long-term repercussions on the country’s educational credibility.
In a related development, Geh Geh recently shared a video on Instagram, unveiling a uniform for his so-called university’s male followers. He encouraged those interested in joining the “brotherhood” to acquire one. However, the move sparked backlash, with critics accusing him of promoting misogyny. In response, Geh Geh defended his content, insisting that although it focuses on women, it does not advocate hatred toward them.
