This publication is directed at our Nigerian institutions, specifically Colleges, as we have noticed that many of them do not take internet and social media presence seriously. This neglect is in itself an alarming loophole that is being exploited by scammers on popular platforms like Facebook, X, and Google search engine.
Faceless people take advantage of naivety-driven admission seekers by posing as ‘admission agents’ of the target institutions to trick aspirants into paying application fees typically N10,000 to N30,000 or even sharing sensitive information. Unfortunately, this often happens because the colleges themselves have little to no visibility online, leaving prospective students with limited options. Unfortunately, some intending applicants are poor at verifying what information is real and what isn’t.
How Scammers Exploit This Loophole
At first glance, it might look like these scams could easily be avoided. You could even argue that the prospective students are just careless for falling into such traps. However, the root of the issue goes much deeper, anWork and School Africa, a platform that picks up and shares information about admissions sessions, has identified the lack of strong internet presence by the colleges as a primary factor.
While some colleges may have websites, some may contain outdated or incomplete information that becomes unhelpful to admission seekers. You may find a college’s website, but its contact pages don’t work. Sometimes the site is still under construction or poorly maintained. As a result, students looking for information, such as admission deadlines or fees, find themselves vulnerable. Their natural response is to search elsewhere online for answers, and this is where scammers seize the opportunity.
Scammers use many tactics to deceive prospective students, two of which are especially common— (1) creating fake pages or websites in the name of the institution. They make the page or website appear legitimate by using the school’s logo, images, and similar content. (2) Providing fake contact details – They include phone numbers and bank details that have nothing to do with the actual institution.
Unfortunately, not all admission seekers are experienced in identifying such deceptions, so they often fall prey to these frauds. Scammers will post announcements about application forms, payment processes, or deadlines to lure unsuspecting students into making payments or giving personal information.
We have seen admission notifications designed to look exactly like what the average college would publish, but the contact phone numbers are those of the scammers and not of the institutions. Naturally, aspirants are inclined to phone these numbers for more information. The scammers answer the calls, request for the student’s information on WhatsApp or email, and return to them with “Congratulations! You have been given admission into so, so, and so College of This and That.” The happy prospect quickly makes the payment and visits the school, only to be informed that they have been scammed.
The Damage to Institutions’ Reputations
When prospective students get scammed, the damage goes beyond just another admission seeker losing money; it equally tarnishes the reputation of the college involved. Some students may mistakenly believe that the institution itself is responsible, and thus, brand it as fraudulent. Such prospective students carry forward the thought that the said institution is a scam by nature, and words will spread quickly.
Often, colleges attempt to respond with a disclaimer after the damage has been done. They might publish notices warning the public that scammers are operating in their name, but these warnings often come too late and not many prospects will come across such notices. Worse still, they may not erase the negative impact on the institution’s reputation or make up for the loss experienced by the victims.
A Disclaimer Isn’t Enough — Try This FIX
Posting a bold DISCLAIMER!! as most institutions do is not enough. Well, at least most colleges do this to absolve themselves of any responsibilities. However, it can be far from effective. A disclaimer without a proactive online strategy will keep leaving students vulnerable. Disclaimers are usually reactionary, posted after students have already been misled. They do little to protect the future.
Colleges should be worried because it is their money going to scammers. After all, Application Fees are usually labeled ‘Non-refundable’ whether an applicant secures the admission or not.
Nigerian colleges, get ONLINE if you haven’t already. Occupy the spaces these scammers are taking up, and make sure they receive less visibility. Schools should have people actively engage their presence online.
A simple strong social media presence across multiple platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and even LinkedIn will go a long way. Also, make it easier for aspirants to get in touch. Think about potential students’ loss as yours because it is your funds scammers are gulping up due to your self-made loophole of being unavailable online.
A strong online presence will deliver a way for intending candidates to verify information directly from the college’s official accounts, Colleges can instantly share news about application forms, fees, and deadlines, and students can ask questions and receive verified answers from the institution itself, not scammers with ZERO knowledge about your school.
The platform should also feature working contact forms or valid emails, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, and a dedicated team behind the backend to respond to inquiries.
And importantly, schools should make it a habit to call out fake pages and websites pretending to be their institution.
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A Piece of Advice for Intending Applicants
If something feels off, then something is definitely off. Always work with your gut and brain at the same. A legitimate college will have a professional website and an e-portal for admissions. Also, when it is time for application fee payment, the account name will usually carry the name of the institution. If unsure, you can always ask the bank to confirm if such an account belongs to the said school.
Also, avoid suspicious phone numbers, and do not trust any message or post that asks you to call a private phone number for admission or payment. Genuine institutions do not work this way. Avoid direct messages (DMs) from people claiming to be agents of the school. Colleges do not use social media agents for admissions.
Always rely on information from the institution’s verified website or social media platforms. If in doubt, consider visiting the school yourself or look elsewhere if the said institution is far from your residence.
Ps. This is not discouraging the use of that bold Disclaimer on your school’s website —keep using it.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Paulinus Sunday, a contributor at the Work and School Africa blog.
