The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has uncovered and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education in Nigeria, as part of a crackdown on fake institutions undermining the education sector.
NCCE Moves Against Illegal Colleges of Education
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has uncovered and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education in Nigeria as part of a nationwide crackdown on unaccredited institutions.
According to a report highlighting its latest achievements, the commission said the action was necessary to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s academic system and protect students from falling victim to “certificate mills.”
“The NCCE identified and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country,” the report stated.
Crackdown on Fake Institutions in Nigeria
The NCCE further disclosed that it had conducted personnel audits and financial monitoring in all 21 federal Colleges of Education to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive urging education regulatory bodies to intensify their fight against illegal institutions across the country.
At the 14th Convocation Ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), President Tinubu — represented by Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education — stressed that illegal schools were undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s education sector.
Tinubu’s Directive on Illegal Colleges and Universities
President Tinubu described unaccredited schools as “certificate millers” and tasked the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the NCCE to weed out fake institutions that compromise academic quality.
“The integrity of our academic system must not be compromised,” Tinubu said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among education agencies to improve efficiency and uphold standards.
Agencies Align to Safeguard Education Quality
Tinubu added that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the NUC, the NBTE, and the NCCE are already working together to improve the quality of education.
This joint effort, he said, aims to eliminate cases of forgery, unrecognised certificates, and fake institutions both within and outside Nigeria.
“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 declared.
Why the Crackdown Matters
The closure of illegal Colleges of Education is seen as a major step in restoring trust in Nigeria’s education system. Unregulated schools not only exploit unsuspecting students but also weaken the value of academic certificates, making Nigerian graduates less competitive globally.
By shutting down 22 fake institutions, the NCCE has sent a strong signal that unaccredited schools will no longer be tolerated.
Next Steps in Nigeria’s Education Reforms
Education experts believe the crackdown must be sustained with stronger monitoring and stricter penalties for operators of illegal schools.
They also recommend raising awareness among parents and students to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrollment.
For now, the NCCE’s decisive action marks a victory in the fight against fake schools, reinforcing the government’s resolve to protect education quality in Nigeria.
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