The Federal Government, through the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), has shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country.
According to information contained in the commission’s report of achievements, the discovery was made during a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed institutions.
“The NCCE identified and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country.
“The NCCE conducted personnel audit, financial monitoring in all the 21 federal colleges of education,” the commission said.
The action follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive urging the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to intensify efforts in eliminating illegal higher institutions.
Speaking at the 14th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, the President ordered the NUC, the NBTE, and other relevant agencies to take decisive measures against what he described as “certificate millers” undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
Tinubu, represented by Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, emphasized that the academic sector must be safeguarded from compromise.
“At this juncture, it has become imperative to reiterate that this administration remains committed to strengthening the integration of all agencies involved in the administration of education to enhance efficiency and quality,” the President said.
He added, “The National Youth Service Corps, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education are working in alignment to improve the quality of education and ensure that cases of forgery and unrecognised institutions both within and outside the country have no place in our education ecosystem.”