The National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria has issued a warning to all vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities about a human trafficking network that has recently come to light. This network, based in Germany, has been disguising itself under the pretense of offering internship opportunities to students.
The alert was prompted by information received from the Indonesian police regarding this dangerous scheme. The NUC received a circular on May 13, 2024, from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), referencing the issue as 736/S.5/V/153.
In a statement signed by Mr. John Mairafi Ahmadu, the Director of the Directorate of the Executive Secretary’s Office, the NUC urged university leaders to widely publicize the information within their institutions. The goal of this measure is to protect students from becoming victims of this trafficking network.
The NUC emphasized the importance of spreading this information, stating, “You are to give the circular wide publicity in your respective institutions, for information and guidance, as appropriate.” This highlights the NUC’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students and preventing them from falling prey to such dangerous schemes.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC reassured university leaders of his dedication to their safety, saying, “As always, please accept the assurances of the Executive Secretary’s highest regards.” This statement reflects the NUC’s proactive approach to safeguarding students against threats and ensuring that educational institutions remain vigilant.
The trafficking network’s method of operation is particularly concerning, as it exploits the desire of students to gain valuable work experience through internships. By presenting themselves as legitimate internship providers, they lure students into potentially harmful situations.
The NUC’s alert serves as a reminder of the need for caution and awareness among students and university staff regarding internship opportunities, especially those offered by foreign organizations. Students are encouraged to thoroughly research any internship program and verify its legitimacy before proceeding.
In light of this warning, universities across Nigeria are expected to take immediate action to inform their students and staff about the risks associated with these fraudulent internship offers. The NUC is also likely to provide additional resources and guidance to help students identify legitimate internship opportunities.
This timely intervention from the NUC underscores the critical need for vigilance in protecting students from human trafficking and other related threats. It also emphasizes the commission’s role in fostering a safe and secure educational environment for all Nigerian students.
As the situation develops, the NUC will continue to monitor the activities of the trafficking network and provide updates to universities as necessary. Students are advised to stay informed and to report any suspicious internship offers to the appropriate authorities.
The NUC’s alert highlights the importance of safeguarding students against exploitation and underscores the need for educational institutions to remain vigilant in protecting their students’ welfare.
