A storm is brewing in Nigeria’s education space as a coalition of academics, students, and concerned citizens has petitioned the National Universities Commission (NUC) to clamp down on parody universities, with Geh Geh University topping the list.
The group accused comedians and online influencers of carelessly attaching the word “university” to their skits, warning that the trend, though humorous on the surface, risks misleading unsuspecting Nigerians and undermining the credibility of accredited institutions.
“University is not a joke” – Coalition
Speaking on behalf of the petitioners, Dr. Charles Ekeh stressed that the term “university” carries legal and academic weight.
“The word ‘university’ is not something anybody can play with. It is a protected title, earned through rigorous accreditation. Allowing comedians to use it casually dilutes its meaning and disrespects the years of sacrifice and excellence behind genuine institutions,” he said.
The coalition expressed fears that beyond comedy, the misuse of the term could embolden fraudsters to exploit the grey area, deceiving vulnerable people into paying for fake admissions or certificates.
They called on the NUC to issue public condemnations and cease-and-desist letters to content creators who misuse the title, warning that silence would only worsen Nigeria’s battle against degree mills and fake certificates.
Geh Geh’s Growing Influence
Despite the controversy, Geh Geh continues to expand his parody brand. In a viral Instagram video, he even unveiled a “school uniform” for male followers who identify as students of his so-called university. While many laughed it off, critics accused him of promoting misogyny and brainwashing young men.
Geh Geh, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that his content is satire and not hate-driven.
Just days earlier, his comments about Nollywood legends Aki and Paw Paw — suggesting their looks gave them a comedic advantage — sparked another heated debate about “pretty privilege.”
Calls for Balance
Reacting to the petition, respected actor and social commentator Sam Dede urged government to proceed with caution.
“This sits at the intersection of free expression and the sanctity of academic institutions,” he said. “Yes, fraudsters could hijack the trend, but outright banning parody universities could also be government overreach. We must act with wisdom, not haste.”
The Bigger Picture
The coalition concluded its petition with a stark reminder: universities remain the backbone of Nigeria’s global competitiveness. Equating accredited institutions with comedy skits, they warned, is a dangerous slope that could further damage the country’s already fragile education sector.
For now, all eyes are on the NUC. Will it bow to pressure and crack down on parody universities, or will free expression be allowed to flourish unchecked? One thing is certain — the battle over Geh Geh University has become more than comedy; it is now a national question about the value of education in Nigeria.
