A LIST of 57 degree-awarding institutions, operating illegally in the country, has been released by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

According to the NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Julius Okojie, the certificates obtained from such institutions would not be accorded recognition for the purpose of election, participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other important functions.

The commission also said investigation is ongoing another eight institutions. He warned that the owners risk prosecution and would be made to refund the fees collected from students if found guilty.

The ban by NUC is contained in the commission's weekly bulletin, the latest of which was released on Tuesday.

Okojie warned that the patrons and those who subscribe to such illegal institusions do so at their own risk. "Certificates obtained from these sources will not be recognized for the purpose of NYSC, employment and further studies," the NUC chief said in the bulletin.

The list includes: University of Accountancy and Management Studies; Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State; University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos; University of applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria; Blacksmith University, Awka and Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.

Others are: Royal University Izhia, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi State; Sunday Adokpela University, Otada Adoka, Otukpo, Benue State; United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State; United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State; Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State; UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State; Saint Augustine's University of Technology, Jos, Plateau State; The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres and Columbus University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria.

Also affected are: Tiu International University, UK; Pebbles University, UK; London External Studies, UK; Pilgrims University; Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue State; West African Christian University; Bolta University College, Aba; JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna; Westlan University, Esie, Kwara State and St. Andrews University College, Abuja.

Others are: EC- Council University, USA, Ikeja, Lagos Study Centre; Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Concept College/University (London) Ilorin, Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja; Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja; Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo State; Fifom University, Mbaise, Imo State; Houdegbe North American University Campuses in Nigeria; Atlantic International University, Okija, Anambra State; Open International University, Akure; Middle Belt University (North Central University), Otukpo and Leadway University, Ugheli in Delta State.

Also banned from operating are: Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja; Southern 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; National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State; University of Accountability and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and its Annex on 41, Ikorodu Road, Lagos; University of Education, Winneba, Ghana and Cape Cost University, Ghana.

thers are: African University Cooperative Development (AUCD), Cotonou, Benin Republic; 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 and Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State.

The eight institutions listed by the NUC as illegal and currently undergoing investigations and court actions 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 and the illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Ali University.