Emmanuel “Geh Geh” Obruste, a popular Nigerian social media personality known for his unconventional financial advice under the brand “Geh Geh University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has come under intense scrutiny from a coalition of academics, students, and alumni. They have petitioned the National Universities Commission (NUC) to clamp down on Geh Geh’s platform and others like “Blessing CEO University” for wrongly appropriating the term “university.”
Charles Ekeh, spokesperson for the Coalition for the Protection of Academic Integrity in Nigeria, warned that such parody institutions are not mere entertainment but pose a serious threat to the integrity and credibility of Nigerian higher education. “University” is a legally protected designation that must only be used by formally accredited establishments after exhaustive approval by the NUC.
Ekeh urged the commission to take swift regulatory action, issuing cease-and-desist orders, working with the Nigerian Communications Commission and social media platforms to curb unauthorized use. He expressed concern that unsuspecting Nigerians might be misled into believing these platforms offer genuine courses or certificates, risking exposure to fraud.
“Allowing comedians and influencers to misuse the title ‘university’ undermines decades of scholarship and excellence achieved by Nigerian institutions domestically and globally,” Ekeh stated. He added that tolerating such practices may embolden diploma mills masquerading as satirical ventures, hindering efforts to fight fake degrees.
Responding to the petition, Geh Geh posted on Instagram, “This is so heartbreaking for me. Nigerians, please help me beg the president, please,” reflecting his emotional plea amidst growing backlash.
The coalition clarifies that their campaign is not an attack on satire or creativity but a call to safeguard the nation’s respected academic system. They demand a public statement from NUC reaffirming the official status of accredited universities and nationwide education to help the public distinguish legitimate institutions.
“The integrity of our universities must not be treated as a laughing matter,” Ekeh concluded.
