The National University Commission (NUC) has warned Nigerians against patronising Maryam Abacha University, Niger Republic and also reiterated its stand on online certificates, saying that they are not recognised in Nigeria.

This was made known by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ibrahim Yakasi, while addressing a press conference at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

“We wish to restate that as the only quality assurance agency for universities in Nigeria, the NUC is maintaining its stand that degrees from Maryam Abacha University will not be accepted in Nigeria.

“Online degrees are not acceptable in Nigeria at the moment; the Nigerian constitution does not even give recognition to such degrees. Those who ran out of Nigeria for study outside this country, are those looking for cheaper degrees. It is either they cannot pass the examinations or they do not possess the minimum entry qualifications,” he declared.

Yakasi also noted hinted that students patronising such institutions were offered admission on part-time basis with graduation duration of four semesters for degrees like nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, which should naturally run for about eight to 10 semesters.

He added: “In Nigeria the duration for a full time degree programme is not less than three years for direct entry and at least six years for part-time, while professional programmes in science, engineering and health sciences including nursing, Medical Laboratory Science and public health are not offered on part-time basis in Nigeria. Also, all part- time cross boarder education in Nigeria is not allowed.”