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On Tuesday, January 2, President Tinubu’s government cracked down on foreign universities in Nigeria, blacklisting them for offering substandard education and questionable degrees.
This happened after Nigerian undercover journalist, Umar Audu, released a viral investigative report in December 2023. A Cotonou-based university issued him a degree certificate within six weeks. And he was able to enroll for NYSC with this fake certificate.
In light of this incident, the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) issued a statement noting that the FG had not licensed some of these universities and they had been shut down.
“The National Universities Commission wishes to announce to the general public, especially parents and prospective undergraduates, that the under-listed “degree mills” have not been licensed by the Federal Government and have therefore been closed down for violating the Education (National Minimum Standards, etc.) Act of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
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If you’re a Nigerian student seeking to study in a foreign university located in Nigeria, avoid the schools in this list:
University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centers; or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Columbus University, UK, located anywhere in Nigeria.
Tiu International University, UK, located anywhere in Nigeria.
Pebbles University, UK, located anywhere in Nigeria.
London External Studies, UK, located anywhere in Nigeria.
Pilgrims University, located anywhere in Nigeria.
West African Christian University, located anywhere in Nigeria.
EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
Irish University Business School, London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
Have you had enough of ASUU’s strike? Are you fed up with lecturers who double as mini-gods? What about hostels that are like prison yards and non-academic staff who stress your life? If you check any of the boxes above, it’s time to find a list of the private universities in Nigeria and choose where to port to.
We’ll get you started with some of the most popular ones.
Covenant University
This Christian university often gets dragged as an advanced secondary school because of its stringent rules. However, graduates from the school are usually in high demand from employers.
Student population
The university has a population of about 6000-8500 students.
Owner
Covenant University was founded by Bishop David Oyedepo, under the ownership of the Living Faith Church.
Location
The university has its only campus in Ota, Ogun State.
Founding date
The institution was founded in October 2002.
Does it offer medicine & surgery?
During the institution’s 17th convocation ceremony in January 2023, Oyedepo announced plans to commence medicine and law programmes. It might still take some years before the programmes commence in full swing.
Fees range from ₦975,000 to ₦1.1m depending on level and course of study.
Popular Alumni
Gloria Oloruntobi AKA Maraji, Mimi Onalaja, Simi and Ric Hassani
Babcock University
This is another popular Christian university with a lot of rules in place to check students.
Student population
The university has a population of about 10,000-14000 students. It matriculated a total of 3267 in the 2022/2023 session.
Owner
Babcock is owned by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
Location
The university has its only campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
Founding date
The institution was established in September 1999.
Does it offer medicine & surgery?
Babcock University offers a programme in medicine and surgery
Other Courses
Other courses available at the university can be found here
Average tuition fee
Fees range from ₦775k to ₦989k depending on level and course of study.
Popular Alumni
Davido, Beverly Osu, Olumide Oworu, Buju and Priscilla Ojo
Pan Atlantic University
It’s one of the best private universities in Nigeria for people looking for a solid master’s degree without going through the struggle of japa. PAU is also known for its graduate school, Lagos Business School, offering management courses to business enthusiasts and executives.
Student population
The university has a population of about 1000-2000 students. It matriculated 524 students in January 2023, the highest number of intakes since it was established.
Owner
The university is owned by the Pan-Atlantic University Foundation (PAUF), a non-profit foundation registered in Nigeria.
Location
Pan Atlantic University’s main campus is located at Km 52, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos state. The university has a second campus in Lekki.
Founding date
The institution was established in 2002.
Does it offer medicine & surgery?
PAU doesn’t offer medicine and surgery at the moment.
Other courses
Other undergraduate and postgraduate programs can be found here.
Average tuition fee
Fees range from ₦2.8m to ₦3.8m depending on level and course of study.
Popular Alumni
Nollywood actress Kemi Lala Akindoju, and media executive, Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi
Redeemers University
Redeemer’s University Nigeria is an offshoot of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). In 2013, the institution emerged as the best-rated university among 15 prestigious universities selected from West and Central Africa in the bid for the establishment of African Centres of Excellence.
Student population
The private institution has a population of about 3000-4000 students. A total of 2293 students matriculated in the 2022/2023 session.
Owner
Redeemers University was founded by the management of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) under the leadership of its general overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
Location
Redeemers is located in Akoda, Ede, Osun State.
Founding date
The institution was founded in 2005.
Does it offer medicine & surgery?
This school doesn’t offer medicine and surgery but has other basic science courses like physiotherapy, human anatomy and nursing science.
Other courses
Find other available programmers at Redeemers University here.
Average tuition fee
Fees range from ₦582k to ₦1.4m depending on level and course of study.
This is one of the earliest private universities established in Nigeria. Bowen prides itself as the largest Baptist university on the African continent.
Student population
The university has a population of about 4000-5000 students.
Owner
Bowen University was founded by members of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
Location
The university is located in Iwo, Osun State.
Founding date
The institution was founded in 2001.
Does it offer medicine & surgery?
The institution offers a degree programme in medicine and surgery.
It’s among the first set of Islamic private universities in Nigeria. It’s also a great choice for students majoring in Islamic studies. It has degree and PhD programmes in Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Student population
The university has a population of over 7000 students
Owner
The university was founded by Abdur-Raheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation
Location
The university’s main campus is located at Adewole Housing Estate along Adeta Road, Ilorin, Kwara state. It also has campuses in Igbaja and Atere.
Founding date
Al Hiqmah was established in 2005.
Does it offer medicine & surgery?
The school doesn’t offer this course but has other health science courses like medical laboratory science, nursing and physiology.
Fees range from ₦300k to ₦1.3m depending on the level and course of study.
Joseph Ayo Babalola University
Also known as JABU, this is a privately owned Christian university in Osun state. It is named after the first spiritual father of the Christ Apostolic Church, Joseph Ayo Babalola, who died in 1959. It is the first entrepreneurial university in Nigeria.
Fees range from ₦670,000 to ₦1.5m depending on the level and course of study.
American University of Nigeria
Except if you live under the rocks, you must have heard of the American university in Nigeria owned by a former vice president and presidential candidate. The institution prides itself as Africa’s first development university.
Student population
The university has a population of about 1000-2000 students.
Owner
Former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, established the American University of Nigeria.
Location
The university is located at 98 Lamido Zubairu Way Yola Township bypass, Yola, Adamawa State.
Fees range from ₦1.1m to ₦1.9m depending on level and course of study.
Popular Alumni
30BG’s Tunji Adeleke
Lead City University
This is one of the most popular private universities in Ibadan, Oyo state. The same city also houses the first university in Nigeria, University of Ibadan.
Student population
The university has a population of about 4000 students.
Owner
Lead City University is owned by Prof. Jide Owoeye.
Location
The school is located at Oba Otudeko Avenue, Toll-Gate Area, Ibadan, Oyo state.
Fees range from ₦1.2m to ₦5.9m depending on level and course of study.
Novena University
It’s one of the top private universities in Nigeria’s southsouth. It also holds the record of being the first private university established in Delta state.
Student population
The university has a population of about 1000-2000 students.
Owner
Novena University is owned by Chuks Ochonogor through his company, Prowess Management & Technical Services Limited.
Location
Novena University is located in Ogume, Kwame, Delta state.
Founding date
The institution was established in 2005.
Does it offer medicine & surgery?
Novena University offers a degree programme in medicine and surgery.
Every NYSC member goes through two phases that can either mar or make the entire experience: the initial posting to a state in Nigeria, and the posting to a primary Place of Assignment (PPA) tailored to your area of expertise, or not.
We decided to ask some ex-corp members about their experience with both postings, and they had some funny to scary stories to share.
Abraham*, 32
I suspected something was wrong the day I got my PPA posting letter and couldn’t find useful information about the company on Google. I’d heard how PPAs were scarce in Lagos and people had to show up before another corper takes up the spot. I left the orientation camp in Ipaja for Ikeja and got there around 2 p.m. Everyone I asked gave different directions but nobody knew the exact building. One maiguard saw me and offered to take me to the place. When we finally located the building, it looked deserted. We knocked, and this heavily built man came out. He said they weren’t taking corpers, and I was super relieved. Some months later, the address dropped as one of the kidnap hotspots job seekers should avoid in Lagos.
Yemi*,40
Amuru Abam in Abia state was one scary experience. The roads were so terrible, you could barely escape falling off a bike. But that’s not what freaked me out. The locals were fetish on a different level.
There was a big tree in the community where many people would sit for shade. But when it got cloudy, people would run from it as if their lives depended on it. They said raindrops from the tree must not touch the human body. Apparently, the tree is a deity they worship annually. It gives whatever one requests but with consequences. I was skeptical, but I avoided the tree till I completed my service year.
Balikis*, 28
My first PPA posting was to a funeral home, and I still suffer PTSD from the place till this day. I decided not to work there when I saw the company name on my PPA letter, but I still had to show up and beg them to reject me. I went there about two days after with my friend, and the owners rejected me without a fight.
Temilade*, 28
I was dead set on serving in Lagos, which was why I was willing to starve and save up the ₦100k to pay my NYSC plug. The call-up letter came out and I saw Edo. How? I mean, I knew Lagos was hard and it was a gamble even after paying, but why not Ogun or Ibadan? I couldn’t believe my eyes, and I don’t remember crying that much in all of my adult years. I spent three weeks in the orientation camp and didn’t enjoy the experience because I was depressed the entire time. I finally got redeployed to Ibadan, and I made peace with that. Lagos to Edo? God, abeg o.
Ibrahim* 35
I’ve spent most of my life in Abuja, but I knew I wanted to explore other parts of Nigeria when it was time for NYSC. So I just trusted I’d get one of the states I filled without working it. I was posted to Osun state and had a great camping experience. However, when it was time for PPA posting, I got a school outside the capital. Everyone already mentioned how the best places to work were in Osogbo. I finally resumed and the sight of the school threw me off with the bushes everywhere and classes looking abandoned. It was giving strong kidnap zone. It didn’t help matters when the principal showed up and spoke Yoruba. The students looked like they’d beat me up if they felt like it. I came back the next day and begged the principal to reject me, but he refused. He said they could use the extra hand and they hadn’t gotten corpers in a while. It took several days of calls from my parents before this man agreed to reject me. It felt like I was released from prison.
George*, 25
My PPA was a small company in Ekiti, and I think I was jazzed because that’s the only explanation for the two months I spent there. I basically the errand boy. There were two other workers, but we hardly spoke. Everyone showed up in the morning and stayed in their corner. I did everything from making photocopies to buying food and cleaning the office, all on a ₦10k monthly allowance. The CEO didn’t allow any staff into her office apart from these red-garment church people who showed up whenever and stayed in her office for hours. I don’t know how my mum noticed something was off with me, but one day she called and said she wanted to speak with my boss. Two days after the call, I was laid off and started processing redeployment.
Are you a freshly minted graduate of a Nigerian university? Have you finally received the call-up letter to serve your fatherland? Are you experiencing mild-to-strong delulu while packing for camp because you think some items aren’t necessary?
If your answer is yes to all of the above, pay attention, or better still, grab a note and jot things down. We’ve compiled the ultimate list that’ll take your NYSC orientation camp experience from “God, abeg” to “Can we do this again?”
NYSC call-up letter
Image source: MySchoolGist
Make sure you carry along three to five copies of this — with the original. It’s the rite of passage at the orientation camp entrance.
School ID card
Don’t leave the house without your student identification card.
School documents
Make sure you come along with original and photocopied copies of your statement of result or degree certificate.
Clear file bag
Image source: Jumia
To keep your documents safe and secure.
Passport photograph
You’ll need a lot of these during the registration process in camp. Best to come with three to six copies.
Extra white shirts and shorts
Image source: X
White is the only acceptable colour in camp, and you only get two free shirts and shorts each. It’s best to go with extra pairs since you might not have time in between activities to do laundry.
Waist pouch
This is where you’ll keep important things like your phone, money, wallet, meal tickets, etc. It’s a 24/7 necessity as you’ll be outdoors most of the time, and it’s not advisable to leave any valuables in your room.
Sanitary pads/tampons
Image source: Brand Afric
Ladies, the mami market traders are out to get you with their outrageous prices, so you better come prepared.
Umbrella
Image source: UBuy Nigeria
See, the sun and NYSC have a mission to completely finish you. An umbrella is how you win this battle.
Toilet paper
The toilet is always a complete mess, even when it’s not dirty.
Toiletries
Make sure you come with your own bathing soap, sponge, body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
Plain white tennis shoes
Image source: X
This is your go-to footwear on the campground. Best to go with a rubber version that’s easier to maintain.
Handkerchiefs or face towels
To maintain your cool when the sun does a number on you.
Rubber slippers
For when your legs need to breathe.
Needle and thread
There’ll be many ripped trousers after the Man O’ War activity. Best to have this before the mami market tailor charges N2k for a small stitch.
Sunscreen
With all the outdoor activities, you want to make sure your skin is still skinning after three weeks.
Bucket
Image source: Nuesroom
Might sound unhinged, but you actually need your own bucket to fetch water in camp. You’ll get one from the traders at mami but at triple the price.
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Marker
Image source: Konga
It’ll be your best friend on camp. You’ll need it mark your territory on prized possessions like your NYSC kit, bucket and provisions.
Flashlight
Image source: Yaoota
Depending on your location, 24/7 power supply might be a thing or not. Best to keep a rechargeable flashlight close.
Mosquito net and repellent
Image source: PremiumTimes
The mosquitoes in camp don’t smile, so go prepared. You came to serve your fatherland, not carry malaria on top your head.
Padlocks and keys
Image source: Wikepedia
Listen, petty thieves will be after your provisions, toiletries and other supplies. While this doesn’t guarantee 100% safety, it’s a start.
Power bank
Image source: Jumia
Because how else will you capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience if you’re dealing with battery issues? Charging in Mami is an expense that’ll do a number on your already slim allowance.
Provisions
Image source: Nairaland
Camp food may or may not wage a war against your taste buds. Best to have provisions you can fall back on, especially if you have no plans to make the mami traders ten times richer.
First-aid kit
Every NYSC camp has a health centre, but you might want to come with your little kit of basics like painkillers, plasters and methylated spirit. Or do you trust the government like that?
On Wednesday, November 1, Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) agents arrested some students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during an off-campus midnight raid.
Here’s all we know about the situation that’s already trending under the hashtag #FreeOAUStudents.
What happened?
On Wednesday, November 1, some students of OAU took to X (formerly Twitter) to notify the public about a midnight raid by EFCC officials. According to the accounts, the officials stormed Fine Touch and Superb Hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, at midnight. The students reportedly thought they were kidnappers at first.
“When people were asleep, EFCC raided Fine Touch Hostel in Oduduwa, arrested over 40 male students and drove their cars away! What type of stupid oppression is this?” one X user tweeted.
When people were asleep, EFCC raided Fine Touch Hostel in Oduduwa, arrested over 40 male students and drove their cars away! What type of stupid oppression is this??!
The students were taken to the Ibadan office of the anti-graft agency, and their properties were confiscated.
OAU’s student union condemns arrest
Shortly after the incident, the OAU students’ union issued a statement on X, confirming and condemning the unlawful arrest of students.
“We strongly condemn the recent unjust arrest and harassment of our fellow students by members of the EFCC @officialEFCC in the odd hours of today, Nov 1st, 2023. This action is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and due process.”
The union noted its support for the aggrieved students and called on authorities to carry out thorough investigation.
We strongly condemn the recent unjust arrest and harassment of our fellow students by members of the EFCC @officialEFCC in the odd hours of today, Nov 1st, 2023. This action is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and due process.#OAUTwitter#FreeOAUStudentspic.twitter.com/743d9r3i1G
Some videos circulating on social media indicate that students of the institution have mobilised and visited the EFCC’s office in Ibadan, demanding the release of their colleagues. The #FreeOAUStudents hashtag is also trending on X.
A spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of 69 “internet fraud suspects”. He said the anti-graft agency’s Ibadan zonal office acted on intelligence that the OAU students were involved in internet crime.
According to him, items recovered from the students include 190 mobile phones, 40 laptops and cars, among others. Oyewale said the students will be charged to court.
“The suspects have made useful statements to the EFCC and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
What about the university’s management?
OAU’s PRO, Abiodun Olanrewaju, said the school management is still investigating to determine how many of the arrested individuals are their students.
“We want to be sure that our students are not unduly harassed or intimidated nor abused. The management has mandated us to go to Ibadan and find out because the welfare of students is important to us.
“We want to go and see by ourselves so that we can come back and give the management necessary feedback. We are just going there now. It is not only our students that are outside Ife, so we wouldn’t want a situation where people will say all those who were arrested are our students whereas maybe some of them are not our students. We want to know who we want to fight for, who we want to defend and protect.”
This is a developing story.
You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.
I might’ve loved my school uniform as a primary school student, but I can’t entirely say the same for my secondary school.
It was an uninspiring combination of navy blue trousers and a white shirt. Very low effort, and understandably so because no Nigerian government official is thinking fashion when selecting uniforms.
If you read this article where I ranked the uniforms of 15 Nigerian private schools, you’ll understand why this one exists. Let’s see what our good ol’ government schools are up to.
13. Federal Government College, Ilorin
If I have to stare at this uniform as a teacher every day, the government better be writing me a fat check for eye maintenance. And another for dark shades.
12. Government College, Ibadan
Ibadan people might appear in my dreams and hunt me for days, but I’ll say it anyway. This entire combination is giving “correctional facility”. You see it too, right?
11. Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun
I’m seeing the vest cardigan with yellow stripes again, and it’s successfully distracting me from spotting just how basic this uniform is. But I see it.
10. Mayflower School, Ikene, Ogun
Is it my eyes or they’re actually combining shorts with sleeveless blouses? Okay. I’ll give it to management for trying to tone down the seriousness of the uniform. I’m all for that.
9. Idia College, Benin
Even if you could ignore the annoying collar, you wouldn’t be able to do the same for the odd pink shirt and chequered purple skirt combination. And I won’t judge you for it.
8. Command Schools
Nothing screams “government” more than agriculture green, but you have to give it to the school management for bodying this colour so well. Also, that hat they have going on? I loveeet!
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7. Lagos State Model College, Badore
First of all, green socks should be criminal. When you go the extra mile to throw in a miniature red tie (that you think we wouldn’t notice), you should do naughty corner time. If a doctor finds his way to this school, he’d diagnose half the students with almost-Christmas syndrome. All that red and green probably has them confused.
6. Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene
I’ve seen some private schools pull their weight with their execution of colour blue, but this is a discovery. As much as I hate to admit, everything works, especially the white socks.
5. Federal Government College, Umuahia
I don’t know if it’s the clean formation or the beret and socks combination, but I’m sold on the ministry of this uniform. They get an extra plus for that little stylish thing going on with the skirt.
4. Baruwa College, Zaria
I love that I’m staring at this uniform, and I’m not immediately thinking students or government school. Don’t they just look like entry-level trainees about to receive your bank deposits? Management needs to complete this uniform with a blazer.
3. Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti
There’s too much blue going on, but I’ll allow it simply because government school is the last thing that comes to mind looking at this photo. Whoever threw in the rafia-themed hats did a thing.
2. King’s College, Lagos
I don’t know if it’s the way these young men are posing and giving CEO vibes, but this uniform is a serve. It’s the best execution of blazers I’ve seen in a minute — not too baggy and not overflowing to knee level (except for that one boy).
1.Federal Government College, Lagos
Tell me you don’t want to enrol your child in this school, so that they can step out of the house every morning and people will ask “What’s the name of your school, sweety?” Because the uniform is so fire.
You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.
This might sound weird, but my favourite part of going to school as a kid was wearing my school uniform. The pattern was nothing like I’d seen on students from other schools, so I blushed when random adults asked questions like “What’s the name of your school?”
These days I can’t shake off the suspicion that something is off in the uniform selection department of Nigerian schools. What is the obsession with agriculture green and bedroom blue? Anyway, I decided to rank the best school uniforms of 15 Nigerian private schools.
What do you think?
15. Christ the King International School, Anambra
This uniform could have been IT, but it’s giving hypnotic. The hypnotism aside, I can see what the school management was going for; it’s a bit sad they missed the road.
14. Hope High British International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi
This uniform could have been fire but something is off about that chequered shirt x black trouser combo on the male students.
13. Olashore International School, Osun
For one of the most expensive schools in the South West, this uniform is just there. The grey pinafore on the junior students is giving cleaner vibes. But they tried with the blazer on the seniors. Can you spot that shade of blue though?
12. Citadel International School, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo
There’s international in the name of this school, but I don’t know what that is about because what is this uniform? I mean, it’s decent but very heavy on the government school uniform vibes. Also, what in the Boy-Alinco cap is going on here?
11. Kadwel International Schools, KadunaState
I don’t know if it’s the pose, the chequered skirt or rhyming ties, but I’m sold on the ministry of this uniform. But those oversized blazers? Management, please now.
10. Day Waterman College, Abeokuta, Ogun
White is safe, but when you combine it with grey and navy blue, it’s simply giving low effort. I could see students in this uniform and link them to about 10 other schools. What is the obsession with Nigerian private schools and ties?
9. Queens College, Lagos
If you can ignore the blue-on-blue coordination, you’ll have to give it to the school for being audacious enough to go sleeveless. I won’t give any verdict on the beret…for now.
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8. Chrisland Schools, Lagos, Abuja
It’s too much green going on. But they get some marks for the chequered skirt and blazers.
7. Atlantic Hall, Lagos
I don’t like that this uniform is this low on the list, but look at it and tell me the blue tie and navy blue jacket are not giving bank-graduate-trainee. I’ll carry my bank problems to these kids at first sight. But the fit is clean sha.
6. Grange Schools, Lagos
I mean, look at their faces. That’s the exact look you wear when your uniform isn’t giving a 100 but you have to put it on five times a week.
5. Corona Schools, Lagos
I like the tie, the blazer and black knee-length socks. Makes for a clean look that instantly lets you know that this is a top school student.
4. British International School, Lagos
This might be the best execution of green-coloured uniforms I’ve seen in a long while. The chequered skirt and short-sleeve work.
3. Lekki British International School, Lagos
At first sight, it looks like a lot is happening. But when you take a closer look, you’ll appreciate the colour combination of this uniform. Can you see the way they stand in sharp contrast to their teachers? I like that.
2. Edidot Schools, Lagos
Finally! A school uniform that is not blue, green or grey? Inject it please. You can just tell that management took their time to design this uniform. That rafia-themed hat alone is a win!
1. American International School, Lagos
Because they’re the closest school that comes to having mufti as uniforms, and I’m 100% with that. I mean, are you looking at this uniform and immediately thinking of school? Exactly.
What does your budget for meat look like? You’ll find out at our upcoming meat festival in Lagos. Grab tickets to Burning Ram here.
In August 2023, the University of Ilorin management cut down at least a dozen trees, presumably to make the university safer. A few weeks earlier, a heavy storm had uprooted trees on campus, which in turn fell on and destroyed buildings.
Subsequently, the university took down trees located near any structure. These trees had existed for decades before the structures.
Across Universities in Nigeria, UCJ Unilorin discovered a pattern of development that doesn’t adequately consider the environmental impact of new buildings and structures. To set up university buildings that span hundreds of acres of land, government and education authorities have to drop trees and sometimes relocate the previous settlers.
Students of these federal universities reported that tree-falling has only increased.
The environmental price of education
Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan is the first university in Nigeria. The university is home to numerous infrastructure, including halls of residence.
Seventy-five years into its existence, the University of Ibadan no longer has any sizable forest cover — they’ve been either cleared or fragmented to make way for the construction of lecture theatres, banking halls, and other structures.
Satellite imagery showing University of Ibadan in 2008
Current satellite imagery of the University of Ibadan shows that buildings have increased and forest cover has decreased.
Per the students, the university’s objective is to build and improve its infrastructure, so they must clear the land to install buildings.
“Although there are afforestation projects, the percentage of reforestation can never compare to the rate of deforestation,” Fabiyi said. “It takes years to grow a tree, but you can cut a hundred trees in one day.”
Another student of the University of Ibadan, Baliqeez Adebisi, a student of Forest resource management, told UCJ Unilorin that she thinks the university management could be more proactive.
“Once, a big tree in front of the university bookshop, which is as old as the university, was cut down. Shortly after, a heavy storm blew off the roof of the University Bookshop. Half of the bookshop became dilapidated.”
More recently, there was an entire caterpillar infestation at Heritage Park, University of Ibadan. Almost all the trees there became defoliated for weeks, but nobody paid attention until students noticed.
“When these trees dry up, they’ll eventually fall,” Adebisi said, “It is a caterpillar that develops into a moth species, and it’s a pest that’s endemic to West Africa.”
About 177 kilometres from Ibadan is University of Ilorin in Kwara state. The University sits on approximately 15,000 hectares of land with a population of over 50,000 people.
In its 10th consecutive year as the most sought-after higher institution, the university continues to invade land cover to allow human habitation due to its ever-increasing population.
University of Ilorin in 2008
University of Ilorin in 2023
In various interviews with students on the campus, they affirmed the rash effects of deforestation occurring intermittently in the community.
According to the president of the Students Association of the Department of Forestry, Muktar Abdulquadir, wildlife has had to scamper around as their original habitat has been destabilised. This poses the danger of extinction to these animals and the risk of animal attacks on the campus inhabitants.
“I vividly recall seeing squirrels on my way around school During my 100 level days. But now I rarely see them. I have also noticed a general decrease of diversity of tree species generally on campus in the course of my project.”
For his final year project, Muktar is documenting the characteristics of different tree species on campus to help identify these species. During his work, he discovered some species he should have worked on because they were available on campus have now been cut down. As a result, he has had to venture deep into the forest in search of them.
Like other universities, the University of Lagos also has a long history of deforestation and perhaps employs the most rash approach. Although there is no adequate information on the number of trees lost to deforestation in the university, the effects are telling on the entire campus community, particularly on students working on their final year project and having to identify various species in their work.
For instance, a student of Unilag who did not want to be identified told UCJ UNILORIN that she encountered issues while searching for Mona Monkeys in the forest area of the school — hostels have now replaced the mangrove forest — the monkeys’ habitat.
“They are in sparse now, unlike before when they could be easily found in large numbers,” she said
University of Lagos in 2008
The University of Lagos now.
Opeoluwa Ayomide, an alumnus of the university told UCJ Unilorin that during her stay at the university, “the air felt different.” She mentioned that the temperature had increased, and the air had unnatural smells.
“UNILAG students know that the air we breathe on campus is different; it doesn’t have the freshness it used to have. The campus has become so hot, like we are close to the sun, the trees that served as shade are no longer as much as they used to be,” Ayomide said.
Nigeria loses 350,000 to 400,000 hectares of forest every year. A report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO (2010) on deforestation trend in Africa revealed that Nigeria has lost more of its forestland within the last fifty years, making it one of the countries with the highest rate of deforestation in the world.
Deforestation has far-reaching consequences
According to the United Nations, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. Globally, tropical deforestation contributes to 20% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the CO2meter, a typical tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. This means it will eliminate approximately 1 ton of carbon dioxide emissions by the time it reaches 40 years old. However, “on average, human activity puts about 40 billion tons of CO2 into the air each year. This means we would theoretically have to plant 40 billion trees every year.”
According to Tijesunimi Agbaje, an environmental specialist at Global Landscapes Forum, a knowledge-led platform for sustainable land use, human activities such as transportation, plastic pollution, and industrial processes leave carbon footprints in the atmosphere, but deforestation is one of the major sources of carbon emissions in the environment.
In addition to this, The average tree absorbs 10-15 gallons of water every day; their extensive roots soak in the excess water in the environment. When deforestation happens, the root system is destroyed, and the soil loses the capacity to absorb rainfall. As a result, more rainwater runs off the surface, leading to flooding during heavy rainfall events.
In 2022, Nigeria experienced one of the worst flooding she has ever experienced. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said 662 persons lost their lives, 3,174 suffered injuries and 2,430,445 individuals were displaced by the disaster.
“Carbon emissions are majorly absorbed by tropical trees. Temperate trees can also absorb emissions, but not as much as tropical trees. The remaining carbon goes into the ocean,” Agbaje explained. “But humans are constantly damaging both oceans and forests, and those are the two things that keep us alive and preserve the ecosystem.”
Image Source: University of Ilorin
Curbing deforestation in Nigerian universities and beyond
There have been efforts made by individuals and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to curb this gnawing issue. One such person who has contributed to this cause is Debo Ajenifuja, a program manager at the Alliance for Positive Environmental Impacts and Reforestation (APEARE)
To curb deforestation, Ajenifuja and his team devised an initiative to empower women from rural communities in Ibadan whose significant income was from cutting and selling trees. The team trained the women on cultivating short-duration trees, mainly “Thaumatococcus Daniellii“, used for “moinmoin” wraps.
According to Agbaje, Universities need to approach their architecture and development goals from a position that’s more inclusive of the environment. Development plans should minimise deforestation and the fragmentation of vegetation cover.
Editor’s note:
This story is part of a series we’ll be publishing in partnership with University of Ilorin’s Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) to support the launch of their 2023 OPTIC magazine.
UCJ is the official student press body of the University of Ilorin and is home to over 300 journalists. It won Pen Club of the year at Youth Digest’s 2022 Campus Journalism Awards, and was a finalist under the magazine of the year category.
You can also support their work by:
Sharing these stories for more visibility.
Placing an order for the magazine or funding next year’s release. Please email the UCJ team at ucjunilorin@gmail.com
David Olanrewaju said his life flashed before his eyes at the sight of the intruders.
A few hours before, he was in his room at Camat Hostel, Tanke, scrolling through WhatsApp and laughing at memes. Subsequently, he locked his door and briefly thought about his upcoming exams before drifting off to sleeping.
The night was fine until a scream escaped from a room next to his. Half asleep and half awake, David jolted up. He didn’t know why his neighbor screamed until three men, armed with guns and cutlasses, broke into his room.
Now thick into the night, David laid on the cold tiles in his room, trying not to do or say anything that could trigger the armed men.
“At that moment, I was just trying to stay alive,” the final-year student of Industrial Chemistry said.
The robbers took off with everything — his laptop, phones, power bank, MP3 player, wristwatch, and even his perfume.
David’s experience is not unique. Since 2021, University of Ilorin students have experienced one of the worst spates of robberies ever recorded in Tanke community.
Tanke is a community in the Ilorin-South Local Government Area of Kwara State where the University of Ilorin is situated. The community houses both students of the University of Ilorin and other residents who are non-students. Students of the University of Ilorin account for approximately 50% of the population in areas like Oke-odo, Chapel, Oko-oba amongst other sub-communities in Tanke. Private hostels in the community are choice residents for students of University of Ilorin due to its proximity to the university.
Members of the student community say the number of armed robbery cases range between twenty and forty.
Robberies thrive here
Nigeria’s shabby security network allows robbery attacks to thrive. While the perpetrators of these crimes roam the streets freely and scheme more plans, their victims are left to tend to permanent scars, manifesting in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, injuries, and sometimes death.
In Nigeria, there are about 370,000 policemen to cater for 200 million people. According to the United Nations benchmark of one policeman to 450 people, Nigeria is under policed. This inadequate number of policemen is sparsely distributed across states. While some states meet the required benchmark by the United Nations, others, like Kwara, lag behind.
Per a 2022 Ripples Nigeria report , Kwara state had ratios of 1 police to 609 people; 1 police to 693 people and 1 police to 708 people in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively. It doesn’t matter how you look at it; the state lacks sufficient police officials to cater for the citizens
An hour after the criminals had fled with valuables, the police showed up at David’s hostel, questioned the occupants, and invited them to the station the next day to write their statements. David said that was the last time the police inquired about the robbery or made contact with them.
For David, what hurts him most about the attack was his stolen laptop. “I had a lot of important information on it,” he told UCJ Unilorin “Most of those files couldn’t be backed up.”
David’s laptop was a valuable asset as a final-year student writing his final-year project, which impacted the progress of the thesis. David plans on getting a new one, but Nigeria is going through another record economic situation. Inflation is high, earnings are low, and the new forex exchange rate makes it even worse.
Living with the mental trauma of a robbery
In March 2023, *Mariama,a 100 level student of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, sat outside her room in her female-only hostel in Oke Odo with some of her friends. The power was out, so they hung out outside to study and prepare for their upcoming tests.
Then the unexpected happened.
Three strange men entered the gate and one of them threatened her with a gun. It was a new, terrifying experience for Mariama.
“I couldn’t tell if it was a toy gun or a real one,” she recounted.
Once the robbers had collected everything they could, they locked Mariama and her friends in one of the hostel rooms and threw the key to them.
“They did this so we wouldn’t be able to run after them or alert others.” she said.
Mariam confirmed that the memories of the incident haunted her for some time. Even till today, she still has flashbacks from that night.
Thankfully, she didn’t have to deal with it alone.
“Prayer, friends and families helped me get over the experience”, she said.
Dr. Damilola Ajayi, a trained psychiatrist, said that robberies pose negative consequences to the mental health of victims in the immediate, short, and long term.
“In the immediate term, these are stressful experiences that may heighten anxiety levels in victims,” said Dr. Ajayi “In people already predisposed to or suffering from mental illness, this may even be worse”.
He added that it is more difficult to predict the short-term to long-term effects, but stressful events play a role in developing post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, and even psychosis.
An unresponsive police force
Like David and Mariama, *Babajide, a student of Agriculture, was another robbery victim in his off-campus apartment at Winners Chapel street.
In 2021, when his hostel was robbed, Babajide immediately sent a message to a Whatsapp security group created for students to report robberies off campus and also to connect them with security operatives.
“The security group contacted the police, but they did not show up until 8 a.m. in the morning, five hours after the robbery. Babajide said.
The Nigerian Police Force is infamous for arriving at a robbery scene long after the robbers have completed their operation and done harm. Consequently, many Nigerians have lost faith and hope in the members of the Nigeria Police Force.
When the police arrived, they took some of the occupants of the hostel to the police station for questioning. Then they asked Babajide to give them the sum of ₦20,000 naira to track his stolen phone.
Mariama had a similar experience. When she tried to track her stolen phone, the policemen requested ₦5000 naira before they could get on it.
Are there measures taken to curb robbery in off-campus hostels?
Mr. Faji Tobiloba, the President of the Students’ Union, University of Ilorin said that the Union has been responsive to these issues and have kicked off processes to curb the spate of robbery attacks in off-campus hostels.
“A security committee of departmental presidents who volunteered has been created,” said Faji. “The job of the team is to identify firsthand information, report it, get necessary persons involved, and ensure the safety of the student community,”
“This team is designed such that we have representatives across nooks and crannies and major places off-campus including Tanke, Sanrab and the Oko-oba axis”, he added.
According to him, the Students’ Union has also been collaborating with the Police in de-escalating situations that need the police attention. He told UCJ Unilorin that every time robbery cases were reported to the Students’ Union, they put a call across to the DPO, who in turn dispatched police men to the scene of the robbery.
Although the Students’ Union claim to have introduced different measures to reduce robbery attacks, these cases still persist. Ten days before this story was filed, another hostel was burgled.
The robberies continue in Tanke, no one knows who is next. Every night, students go to bed hoping they don’t become victims.
Names with asterisks have been changed to protect the person’s identity.
Editor’s note:
This story is part of a series we’ll be publishing in partnership with University of Ilorin’s Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) to support the launch of their 2023 OPTIC magazine.
UCJ is the official student press body of the University of Ilorin and is home to over 300 journalists. It won Pen Club of the year at Youth Digest’s 2022 Campus Journalism Awards, and was a finalist under the magazine of the year category.
You can also support their work by:
Sharing these stories for more visibility.
Placing an order for the magazine or funding next year’s release. Please email the UCJ team at ucjunilorin@gmail.com
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, students of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) raised an alarm over the disappearance of Miss Atanda Modupe Deborah, a 200-level student of the school’s nursing department.
She was reportedly last seen in front of the school’s Pharmacy Twin Hall on Monday, September 4. Unfortunately, by Wednesday evening, the situation took a tragic turn. She was found dead and buried in a shallow grave in the school’s premises.
What happened?
According to fellow students, Miss Atanda was raped and killed.
Ayo*, an accounting student at the university, provided some context. “She went for night reading, and when she didn’t come back the next day, some of her friends started a search party. The school authority was informed, but she was only found two days later in a shallow grave behind the Faculty of Pharmacy building. Her books and bag were found on a damaged bridge close by, and her earrings and pieces of clothing were found in a building close to the Pharmacy Twin Hall. She looked like she’d been raped but not mutilated or missing body parts, as the rumours claim.”
In the aftermath of her discovery, several students have voiced out their anger at the school’s lack of security personnel, night lights and student ID cards for proper identification. “We have forest-like bushes in Oye,” Bola*, another student, says. “Anyone can hide in those bushes and do anything they want. We don’t have security. At night, the school is dark. It’s not strange to hear that a student was robbed or molested in the dark, and there’s no way to even determine who is a student or not because we don’t have ID cards. The school doesn’t care about us.”
A protest in 2019 over the same poor electricity situation in the school led to the death of a student when protesting students were allegedly shot at by Nigerian police.
On Twitter, students and concerned individuals seeking justice for Miss Atanda are pushing hashtags like #justiceformodupe #blackwednesday and #makeFUOYEsafe.
The school authorities put out a press release on Wednesday, expressing their sadness over the unfortunate incident and urging “all stakeholders to be calm”.
They also noted that several arrests have been made as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Miss Atanda’s death is ongoing. The press release contained instructions for students to “vacate the premises with immediate effect, to ensure a proper, holistic and unimpeded, thorough investigation.”
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti, released a statement that the body had been put in a morgue, and ten suspects were held for questioning as of Thursday, September 7th.
07/09/2023 *PRESS RELEASE:* _Ekiti State CP orders discreet investigation into the cause of Deborah's death._
