Trouble Looms for Geh Geh University and Other Parody Institutions as Government Faces Petition for Ban
A coalition of Nigerian academics, students, alumni, and concerned citizens has petitioned the National Universities Commission (NUC) to outlaw parody institutions such as Geh Geh University and Blessing CEO University, citing their unauthorized use of the term “university” as a threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system. The petition, addressed to the NUC’s Executive Secretary and Board on August 22, 2025, has sparked a heated debate over academic credibility, freedom of expression, and the rise of social media-driven satire, with some linking the move to political motives under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Coalition for Protection of Academic Integrity in Nigeria, led by spokesperson Dr. Charles Ekeh, argues that platforms like Geh Geh University, spearheaded by TikTok star Habeeb “Geh Geh” Hamzat, trivialize the legally protected designation of “university,” which requires rigorous accreditation under the NUC Act. “Allowing comedians to adopt this title dilutes its meaning and disrespects the years of dedication behind genuine academic institutions,” Ekeh told Legit.ng. The petition warns that such parody entities risk misleading the public, with vulnerable individuals potentially mistaking them for legitimate institutions, thus opening doors to fraud and degree mills.
Geh Geh University, known for its humorous “School of Wisdom” livestreams, has garnered millions of followers, with Geh Geh reportedly earning $30,000 in a single hour on TikTok on August 22, per MSN. The petition demands that the NUC issue cease-and-desist orders, publicly condemn the misuse of “university,” and collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce compliance. It also calls for a nationwide campaign to educate Nigerians on identifying accredited institutions, as reported by TheStar.
Social media reactions are polarized. @AfricaFactsZone tweeted, “Geh Geh University faces ban as academics petition NUC. #ProtectEducation,” while @NaijaGist wrote, “Geh Geh’s satire is harmless fun! Why ban creativity? #FreeGehGeh.” Critics like @TruthSeekerNG suggested political undertones, tweeting, “Tinubu’s govt targeting Geh Geh University? Smells like censorship. #NigeriaPolitics.” Some netizens argue the petition distracts from larger issues, like the NUC’s ongoing battle against 107 unaccredited local universities, per Opinion Nigeria.
Geh Geh responded via Instagram, defending his platform as “pure entertainment” and denying any intent to deceive. “We’re teaching life lessons, not issuing degrees,” he said, per Vanguard News. However, the coalition counters that the unregulated use of “university” could embolden fraudulent entities, citing Nigeria’s history of degree racketeering exposed by Daily Nigerian in 2023. The NUC has yet to issue an official response, but sources indicate a review is underway, per JustNaija.
The petition’s timing, during President Tinubu’s push for educational reforms, has fueled speculation of political targeting, especially given Geh Geh’s satirical jabs at societal issues. Akelicious notes that failure to act could undermine the NUC’s authority, while supporters of Geh Geh argue the ban infringes on creative freedom. The outcome could set a precedent for regulating online content in Nigeria’s digital age.