UI, UNILORIN, Covenant varsities say no fake professors on payroll

The University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, and Covenant University have refuted claims that they employ fake professors. A recent report had alleged that the National Universities Commission (NUC) identified 100 professors from various universities as fake. The NUC, however, disclaimed the list, labeling it as false and not originating from them.

Dr. Noel Abiodun Saliu, the Deputy Executive Secretary in Charge of Academic Directorate, denounced the information as mischievous and unfounded, attributing it to the work of mischief makers aiming to tarnish the reputation of the implicated institutions.

In response, the University of Ibadan, through its Registrar and Secretary to Council and Senate, Ganiyu Saliu, asserted that the individuals listed as fake professors were not legitimate members of the institution. The university emphasized its commitment to integrity and urged the public to disregard the unfounded claims, affirming that the listed names were not on their official academic staff calendar.

Similarly, the University of Ilorin, in Kwara State, rejected the report, stating that the list of alleged fake professors associated with the institution was unfamiliar. The university, through its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, clarified that none of the names mentioned in the list were employed by the university.

The management of the University of Ilorin has become aware of a circulating list of 100 alleged fake professors in various universities, reportedly uncovered by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Despite the NUC distancing itself from the list initially surfaced in December 2019, the University of Ilorin wants to unequivocally disassociate itself from the 11 individuals labeled as professors in the recently resurfaced report. None of the individuals mentioned in the list is found on the University’s nominal roll, and none have had any association with the University at any point.

This clarification aims to reassure stakeholders of the University of Ilorin’s commitment to maintaining a reputable and principled stance, upholding high integrity and adhering strictly to global best practices, particularly in matters related to staff promotions. The University dismisses the trending report as a ploy by disseminators of fake news and mischief-makers, urging people to disregard the information.

Similarly, Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, has also refuted claims of having fake professors within its ranks. The Head of Communication Unit, ChiChi Ononiwu, clarified in a statement that the individuals listed as fake professors were not part of the university’s payroll. Covenant University emphasized its commitment to a stringent recruitment process, ensuring that only qualified individuals are appointed as professors. The institution highlighted its adherence to world-class standards in appointment and promotion criteria and urged stakeholders to disregard the misinformation circulating in the report.