The Lagos State Government has closed Tower College of Health, Science, and Management in Gberigbe, Ikorodu, and taken its proprietor, Femi Adeigbe, into custody.
The action follows a special report by Saturday PUNCH revealing that the college had been admitting and training students in 24 courses without accreditation. The investigation is part of a broader exposé showing how some universities in Benin allegedly facilitated unaccredited graduates’ entry into the National Youth Service Corps via private polytechnics in Nigeria.
Closure and Arrest
Sources confirmed that the college was sealed and Adeigbe detained. A source told Saturday PUNCH, “The school has been locked because it is not accredited. The founder has been arrested. No students or staff are present at the premises. People are afraid to approach the school, and enforcement teams came to lock it down.”
Officials from the Directorate of Nursing Services (DNS) of the Lagos State Ministry of Health led the closure in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Committee of Lagos State, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Rapid Response Squad on Thursday. Adeigbe was taken in for questioning and possible prosecution.
DNS Director, Sola Aketi, noted that the college had been warned previously. She said, “This closure means the illegal institution will immediately cease all nursing training and educational activities. There are several such schools across the state, and we will continue until they are all shut down.”
Government Investigation Underway
The Lagos State Ministry of Education has set up a committee to probe the school’s alleged illegal operations. Fabian Benjamin, spokesperson for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), confirmed that a committee is addressing the issue but withheld details, saying, “We don’t want to disclose what we are doing, because it could jeopardise the process. Actions are being taken.”
A government source added that findings from the investigation had been forwarded to headquarters and that the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies were cooperating with the Ministry of Education to ensure quality assurance. The official expressed concern over the rising number of illegal schools nationwide and pledged continued government action to eliminate them.
Industry Reaction
The NANNM also confirmed that Tower College was not registered. Its National President, Haruna Mamman, said, “The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria regulates nursing education. This school is not on their list. People can verify directly with NMCN.”
Changes on Tower College Platforms
Following the Saturday PUNCH report, Tower College’s website underwent rapid changes. Photos of Adeigbe were removed, contact information was updated, and sections including the registration portal and list of 24 courses were altered. Student numbers reportedly dropped from 1,025 to 522, and some social media accounts were made private or rebranded.
Experts Call for Accountability
Education commentator Adeniyi Kunnu attributed the proliferation of unaccredited schools to government negligence, weak oversight, and poor regulatory policies. He advised parents to verify accreditation before enrolling their children.
Educationist Sulaimon Okewole also urged strict legal action, stressing, “Individuals cannot continue to compromise our education system. The federal government must pursue those operating illegal institutions.”
The Lagos State Government’s move underscores ongoing efforts to sanitize the nursing education sector and protect students from unaccredited institutions.
