The Federal Government has officially shut down 22 illegal tertiary institutions (Colleges of Education), across Nigeria, and this move is making waves in the education sector. For years, mushroom institutions have sprung up across the country—issuing certificates, taking in unsuspecting students, and operating without any form of accreditation. Now, the government, through the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), has finally taken the big step to clamp down on them.
This is not just about locking the gates of a few buildings. It’s about drawing a clear line between what counts as real education and what doesn’t. It’s about protecting students, safeguarding parents’ investments, and ensuring that Nigeria’s certificates carry weight both at home and abroad.
President Bola Tinubu has been outspoken about his desire to clean up Nigeria’s education sector. At the recent convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja, he made it clear that government agencies like the NCCE, NUC, NBTE, JAMB, and NYSC must work together to wipe out fake institutions. His words were not empty promises—the closure of these 22 schools is evidence that action is being taken.
Tinubu’s stance is simple: Nigeria must protect the integrity of its education system. If institutions are not accredited, they cannot be allowed to exist.
The NCCE didn’t just storm campuses and shut doors; the process involved proper checks and audits. Federal Colleges of Education across the country were subjected to personnel and financial audits to make sure accountability and transparency were in place. This shows that the government is not only chasing after illegal operators but is also keeping a close eye on the legal ones.
The closure also came with a stern warning to parents and students to verify institutions before paying school fees or enrolling. In other words: if the school is not on the list of accredited institutions, steer clear.
For many students, this development is bittersweet. Those already enrolled in the now-shut colleges will have to rethink their next steps. It’s a tough blow, but in the long run, it saves them from wasting more years in a system that would not have led to anything tangible.
For parents, this is a reminder to be vigilant. The hunger for quick solutions often leads families to patronize these institutions without checking their accreditation status. Going forward, there is no excuse—information on recognized colleges and universities is available, and a simple check can save years of regret.
Nigeria’s education sector has had its fair share of challenges—from underfunded institutions to strikes and overcrowded classrooms. The existence of illegal schools only made matters worse by creating distrust around Nigerian certificates. With this bold move, however, the government is showing that the country is serious about restoring confidence in its academic system.
If the fight continues and spreads beyond Colleges of Education to cover fake universities, polytechnics, and even online degree mills, the result will be a cleaner, stronger, and more respected education sector.
The shutdown of 22 illegal tertiary institutions is more than just a headline. It signals a turning point. It means Nigeria is beginning to prioritise quality over quantity. It means that certificates will once again carry true value. It means that graduates can walk into workplaces and postgraduate programs without the fear of being dismissed because of where they studied.
Most importantly, it means that the dreams of students—dreams built on hard work and sacrifice—are protected.
This crackdown is not the end of the story. Illegal operators are clever, and more will try to spring up, but the message is now clear: the government is watching. For students, parents, and employers, the responsibility is to stay informed and insist on nothing less than accredited education.
In the end, shutting down these 22 illegal tertiary institutions is not just about closing doors; it’s about opening a future where education in Nigeria is credible, respected, and truly life-changing.
