The Federal Government has shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across Nigeria as part of efforts to sanitise the country’s education sector.
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) disclosed this in its latest report of achievements, following a nationwide crackdown on unapproved institutions.
“The NCCE identified and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country,” the commission said, adding that it conducted personnel audits and financial monitoring across all 21 federal colleges of education.
The move comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu directed key education regulatory agencies to intensify efforts to eliminate illegal tertiary institutions.
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, condemned the proliferation of unaccredited institutions.
He described such entities as “certificate millers” undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s academic system.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He added that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the NCCE are working in alignment to improve education standards and eliminate forgery and unrecognised institutions.
