By John Umeh
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 22 illegal Colleges of Education discovered to be operating without proper approval across the country. The clampdown follows months of regulatory checks and compliance audits carried out by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), which revealed that the affected schools were running unaccredited programs and misleading unsuspecting students.
In a statement from the Ministry of Education, officials made it clear that any certificates issued by these schools will not be recognized for employment, further studies, or participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. The action, they explained, is aimed at cleaning up Nigeria’s tertiary education space and protecting young people from being exploited by operators of fake institutions.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed education regulators—including the NCCE, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), JAMB, and the NYSC—to work together to eliminate “certificate mills” that undermine the credibility of the system.
Known Illegal Institutions in Nigeria
Although the names of the newly closed Colleges of Education have not yet been officially released, the NUC has in the past published lists of unapproved universities and colleges. Examples include:
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Christians of Charity American University of Science & Technology, Nkpor
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University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos
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Blacksmith University, Awka
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UNESCO University, Ndoni
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University of West Africa, Kwali, Abuja
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Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja
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Coastal University, Akwa Ibom State
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Temple University, Abuja
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United Nigeria University College, Okija
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Southend University, Rivers State
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Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF) Theological University, Lagos
These and many others have been declared illegal and unaccredited by the NUC in earlier enforcement exercises.
Why It Matters
The government explained that unlicensed schools not only devalue Nigeria’s education system but also endanger the futures of students who spend time and money earning certificates that carry no weight. Law enforcement agencies have also been directed to investigate and prosecute the operators of the affected institutions.
Advice to Students and Parents
Authorities advised students currently enrolled in these schools to seek guidance on possible transfers to accredited institutions, while parents and guardians were urged to always confirm an institution’s accreditation status before admission.
The closure of the 22 schools is part of a wider effort to enforce quality, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
