By Ghazali Ibrahim 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed regulatory agencies in the education sector to intensify efforts in shutting down illegal tertiary institutions operating across the country.
The President made this known at the 14th convocation ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja on Saturday.
Represented by the Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, Tinubu described the proliferation of unlicensed schools and “certificate millers” as a dangerous threat to the education system.
He specifically mandated agencies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other relevant bodies to clamp down on unaccredited institutions operating within and outside Nigeria.
“Our administration remains committed to integrating and strengthening all education agencies to ensure quality and efficiency,” the President said.
“The activities of fake institutions must be stopped permanently.”
He added that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), NUC, NBTE, and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) are working together to combat academic fraud and ensure only credible institutions operate in the country.
Highlighting inclusivity in education, Tinubu celebrated the graduation of 51 inmates from correctional centres nationwide, including 41 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate students—an achievement made possible through NOUN’s open and distance learning model.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, in recognition of their leadership and service.
The President urged NOUN to play a leading role in Nigeria’s transition to a digitally skilled economy, encouraging the university to fully adopt online learning in line with global educational trends.
“As the world embraces digital transformation, NOUN must continue to lead in accessible, technology-driven education,” he said.
The convocation ceremony brought together dignitaries, education stakeholders, and well-wishers who commended the government’s renewed commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity.
