The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education across Nigeria as part of a nationwide enforcement drive.

 

The move follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to regulatory agencies to clamp down on unaccredited institutions, described as “certificate mills” undermining the integrity of the education system.

 

In a statement, the NCCE confirmed the closure of the institutions, saying they were discovered during monitoring exercises. The Commission also conducted personnel audits and financial checks in all 21 federal Colleges of Education to ensure compliance.

 

“The NCCE identified and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country,” the statement read. “This action is in line with our mandate to safeguard teacher education in Nigeria.”

 

At the 14th Convocation Ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by the Director of University Education at the Ministry of Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, warned that the federal government would not tolerate fake schools.

 

“Our administration is committed to strengthening education agencies to enhance efficiency and quality,” Tinubu said, stressing that bodies like NYSC, JAMB, NUC, NBTE, and NCCE are working together to block unrecognised institutions and cases of certificate forgery.

 

Education experts say the closures are crucial to preventing the production of unqualified graduates, particularly in teacher training, where illegal colleges have posed serious risks to Nigeria’s future.

 

The NCCE urged parents and students to always verify accreditation status before enrolling in any institution, warning that ignorance would not protect victims of education fraud.