The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has closed 22 colleges operating illegally across Nigeria.

The illegal institutions were uncovered during a nationwide inspection targeting unregistered colleges of education.

The Commission confirmed the closures, stating, “We have identified and shut down 22 unauthorized colleges operating in the country.”

In addition, the NCCE carried out audits of staff and finances in all 21 federal colleges of education to ensure proper compliance with regulations.

President Bola Tinubu had previously called on the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the NCCE to crack down on illegal higher education institutions.

During the 14th convocation ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja, the President directed these agencies to take firm action against so-called “certificate mills” that threaten the credibility of Nigerian education.

Represented at the event by Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Tinubu emphasized that the academic system’s integrity should not be compromised.

He stated, “Our administration is committed to strengthening the collaboration of all education agencies to improve efficiency and maintain high standards.”

Tinubu also noted that agencies such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), NUC, NBTE, and NCCE are working together to raise the quality of education and eliminate cases of forgery or unrecognized institutions both inside and outside Nigeria.