Officially Republic of Benin, this country consists of a narrow wedge of territory extending northward for about 420 miles (675 kilometres) from the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean, on which it has a 75-mile seacoast, to the Niger River, which forms part of Benin’s northern border with Niger. Benin is bordered to the northwest by Burkina Faso, to the east by Nigeria, and to the west by Togo. The official capital is Porto-Novo, but Cotonou is Benin’s largest city, its chief port, and its de facto administrative capital. Benin was a French colony from the late 19th century until 1960.
Following their inability to secure admission places in local universities and the incessant strikes that have plagued the educational system in Nigeria, many Nigerian students have sought solace in Benin Republic institutions. However, most of these institutions that Nigerian students attend in our neighboring countries are sub-standard that is why National Universities Commission, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the Ministry of Education had to blacklist some of these schools to save the innocent students.
In many of these universities, “Nigerian students are being exploited. There is a particular country where a university is being run in the portal cabin right inside a market. Recently, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps accused universities in the Benin Republic of presenting unqualified persons for its one-year mandatory national service. Giving the breakdown of these African-based universities presenting fake graduates, the DG said 60 of them were based in Republic of Benin, 15 in Cameroon, 2 in Chad, Ghana 41, Guinea 5 institutions while 4 were based in Ivory Coast. Other universities, he said, were based in Niger, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Togo. He stated that NYSC had begun investigations into the activities of the universities involved in the fraudulent practice.
The statement by the Nigerian Universities commission reads: The National Universities Commission (NUC) 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 CAP E3 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The “Universities” are:
University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology Nkpor, Anambra State or any of its campuses.
University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos or any of its other campuses.
University of applied Sciences and Management Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
Blacksmith University, Awka or any of its campuses.
Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
Royal University Izhia, P.O. Box 800, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State or any of its other campuses.
Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi State or any of its other campuses.
Sunday Adokpela University, Otada Adoka, Otukpo, Benue State or any of its other campuses.
United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State or any of its other campuses.
United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State or any of its other campuses.
Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its other campuses.
UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State or any of its other campuses.
Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos Plateau State or any of its other campuses.
The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Columbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Lobi Business School Makurdi, Benue State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Bolta University College Aba or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna Illegal Campus.
Westlan University, Esie, Kwara State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
St. Andrews University College, Abuja or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
EC- Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo Akwa Ibom State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Concept College/University (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Fifom University, Mbaise, Imo State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
Houdegbe North American University Campuses In Nigeria.
Atlantic International University, Okija, Anambra State.
Open International University, Akure.
Middle Belt University (North Central University), Otukpo.
Leadway University, Ugheli, Delta State.
Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja.
Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State.
Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State.
Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja.
Temple University.
Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
University of Accountability and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos Ibadan Expressway and its Annex at 41, Ikorodu Road Lagos.
University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Cape Cost University, Ghana, operating anywhere inNigeria.
African University Cooperative Development (AUCD), Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko Campus).
Career Light Resources Centre, Jos.
University of West Africa, kwali-Abuja, FCT.
Coastal University, Iba-Oku, Akwa-Ibom State.
Kaduna Business School, Kaduna.
Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger Delta.
Asides the aforementioned 57, the NUC also said the following universities will undergo investigation and possible court action.
The Universities are:
- National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa state.
- North Central University, Otukpo, Benue State.
- Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu.
- Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State.
- West Coast University, Umuahia.
- Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
- Volta University College, Aba, Abia State.
- Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Ali University.
List of approved universities in Benin republic
Universite de Lokossa: It’s one of the officially recognized and accredited universities in Benin Republic. It’s also ranked as one of the top 10 best universities in the country. It is one of the newest universities as it was established only two years ago. The university is located in Lokossa. This is one of the large towns in the country with population ranging from 50 and 250 thousand. It currently offers Bachelor degrees. International students are more than welcome to study here.
PIGIER Benin: It’s one of the best private universities on the list of accredited university of Benin. It’s also one of the younger universities in the country. It was established in 1997. This educational institution is located in the city of Cotonou. It’s a medium-sized city with no more than one million citizens. It also offers various courses of study. The university includes programmes for Bachelor and Masters degrees.
International Polytechnic University of Benin: This university of Benin Republic is one of the best universities in the country. It’s a private education institution which was created in 1998. It’s currently recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education. This educational institution is located at Cotonou. It offers a wide area of studies, like Doctoral, Master, Bachelor and Pre-Bachelor degrees. It offers the degrees in areas, like: Arts and Humanities; Business and Social Science; Language and Cultural; Medicine; Engineering; Science and Technology.
University of Porto-Novo: As you might have guessed from the name of the institution, the university is located in a small city of Benin – Porto-Novo. The university is a part of the list of accredited university in Benin Republic. It was created in 2015. It now offers recognized Bachelor degrees to all of its students. International students are more than welcome to study in this university. It’s one of the newest universities in the country.
Polytechnic University of Abomey: The university is located in the large town of Abomey. The population of this town is no more than 250, 000 people. The Polytechnic University of Abomey is officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of the Republic. The university is still new and was established in 2014. Nevertheless, it offers a Bachelor degree in various fields of studies. The education courses are mainly focused on the Arts & Humanities and Science & Technology.
Houdegbe North American University: Established in 1997, Houdegbe North American University Benin is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the medium-sized city of Cotonou (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Littoral. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique, Benin (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Benin), Houdegbe North American University Benin (HNAUB) is a coeducational higher education institution. Houdegbe North American University Benin (HNAUB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study.
African University of Technology and Management: This university is internationally recognized. It is located in Cotonou. The educational institution has been providing world class university education for over 20 years. In addition, this university is considered to be one of the selective universities in the country. The admissions rate of the university is 60%. This education institution offers Bachelor and Master degree in business and technology disciplines.
University of Agriculture of Ketou: The university was established five years ago. It’s one of the public education institutions of Benin Republic. The university is located in Ketou. It also has branch campuses in the cities like Adjohoun, Sakete, and Idigny. It offers Bachelor degrees in several fields of study. International students are welcome to enroll in the university. The university also has a library that can help students with their research papers.
Catholic University of West Africa: This university was established in 2002. It’s officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of the Republic. It’s private owned university which is affiliated with the Christian Catholic religion. This education institution provides academic and non-academic facilities. International students are welcome to become part of the Catholic University of West Africa.
University of Parakou: The University of Parakou was established in 2001. It’s a non-profit public institution which is located in Parakou. Even if it’s still a young university, it offers Bachelor degrees in the following fields of study: Art and Humanities; Business and Social Sciences; Medicine; Science and Technology. International students are very interested in the University of Parakou. This institution also provided a library for students who are working on their research papers.
University of Abomey-Calavi: It’s one of the oldest universities in Benin Republic. It was established in 1970. This institution also has branches in the cities like Porto-Novo, Ouidah, and Cotonou. The university provides a wide range of degrees, like Doctoral, Masters, Bachelor and Pre-Bachelor degrees. The University of Abomey-Calavi offers a wide range of subjects, like: Arts and Humanities; Business and Social Science; Language and Cultural; Medicine and Health; Engineering; Science and Technology. Universities of Benin Republic Universities of Benin can be an opportunity for Nigerians to get an education abroad. Benin Republic offers you a really impressive education in West Africa. Therefore, it can be your chance to get a degree without traveling too far from Nigeria.
