The Federal Government, through the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), has shut down 22 unaccredited Colleges of Education operating illegally across the country.
The move followed a massive crackdown on mushroom institutions parading as legitimate colleges, in line with the government’s renewed effort to sanitize Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to a report by The PUNCH, the NCCE disclosed that the affected institutions failed to meet the minimum standards required for accreditation. The shutdown was carried out after the commission conducted a comprehensive personnel audit and financial monitoring exercise across all 21 federal colleges of education.
In a statement, the NCCE said:
“The NCCE identified and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country. The decision was taken after personnel audit and financial monitoring were carried out in all the 21 federal colleges of education.”
Tinubu’s Directive on Illegal Institutions
The clampdown comes weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered federal education regulatory agencies to intensify action against illegal higher institutions undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s certificates.
Speaking at the 14th Convocation Ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, Tinubu—represented by Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education—warned that the era of “certificate millers” must end.
“The integrity of our academic system must not be compromised,” the President said.
“This administration remains committed to strengthening the integration of all agencies involved in the administration of education to enhance efficiency and quality.”
Unified Effort by Education Agencies
Tinubu further explained that several federal education agencies—including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE)—are now working in closer alignment to restore credibility to the sector.
According to him, the joint effort is aimed at eliminating unrecognised institutions both within and outside Nigeria, while also curbing forgery and other academic malpractices.
The crackdown on the 22 illegal Colleges of Education is seen as a significant step in that direction, signaling the government’s resolve to protect students and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
