Tinubu orders NUC, NBTE, others to crack down on illegal tertiary institutions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other relevant government agencies to clamp down on illegal tertiary institutions to safeguard the education sector from quackery and fake institutions. He emphasized that the integrity of the nation’s academic system must not be compromised.
He specifically directed the agencies to ensure that the activities of certificate mills are permanently halted, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the country.
The President gave the directive on Saturday during the 14th convocation ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, where two distinguished Nigerians — Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives — were conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
While Adesina received the Honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) Honoris Causa, Abbas was awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Honoris Causa.
The convocation also saw the graduation of 51 inmates from different correctional centres across the country, comprising 41 undergraduates and 10 postgraduate students.
President Tinubu, who was represented by Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of University Education, charged universities to implement innovative policies that ensure graduates are well-prepared for the workforce — equipped with both academic excellence and essential soft skills for success in today’s digital world.
He noted that globally, economies are shifting toward knowledge-based systems, and Nigeria must not be left behind. He highlighted the urgent need to prioritize innovation and digital skills.
He further stressed the need to end the proliferation of illegal universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.
“At this juncture, it has become imperative to reiterate that this administration remains committed to strengthening the integration of all agencies involved in the administration of education to enhance efficiency and quality.
“The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) are working collaboratively to improve the quality of education and ensure that cases of forgery and unrecognized institutions — both within and outside the country — are eliminated from our education system.
“I therefore charge the heads of these agencies to remain steadfast in upholding the government’s resolution to safeguard our education sector from quack institutions. The integrity of our academic system must not be compromised, and the activities of certificate mills must be checked and permanently stopped,” he stated.
President Tinubu also tasked the National Open University of Nigeria with taking the lead in building a digitally skilled workforce to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness, noting that NOUN has the potential to shape the future of education and skills development in the country.
He called on the university’s management to transition NOUN into a fully online institution, leveraging its expertise in Open and Distance Learning (ODL).
“I am therefore directing that the university maximize its delivery system by fully embracing technology. This transition requires NOUN to adopt cutting-edge digital tools to enhance accessibility, flexibility, and overall quality of education,” he said.
He pledged his administration’s support for education through the use of information technology to enhance learning. “Through strategic interventions, we are ensuring that education remains inclusive and technologically driven,” he added.
He disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is financing the installation of fiber optics infrastructure at NOUN to provide seamless internet access for students at study centres across the country’s geopolitical zones
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olufemi Peters, said the convocation was held simultaneously in Abuja and across 36 state centres.
He announced that a total of 17,420 students, found worthy in character and learning, graduated from various faculties, including 10,967 undergraduates and 6,413 postgraduates.
At the undergraduate level, 16 students graduated with first-class honours; 1,417 with second-class upper division; 5,518 with second-class lower division; 2,761 with third-class; and 138 with pass degrees. At the postgraduate level, 2,103 students earned postgraduate diplomas, 4,310 earned Master’s degrees, and 40 received Doctorate degrees.
He noted that NOUN was conceived as a solution to the challenges of traditional educational systems, such as limited infrastructure and enrollment capacity. The Open University prides itself on providing flexible, high-quality, affordable, and accessible education.
He added that the university’s commitment to equity and equal opportunity is evident in its efforts to promote lifelong learning and widen access, especially for inmates in correctional centres. To date, 139 inmates have benefited from NOUN’s scholarship programs across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
“Over the years, our student population has grown significantly — from about 1,230 in 2003 to approximately 133,000 active students spread across 120 study centres nationwide, including those in correctional facilities.”
He urged the graduating students to uphold integrity, pursue excellence, and use their education to make a positive impact on society.
He encouraged them to remain connected to their alma mater by actively supporting the university’s development efforts, both individually and collectively.
“We expect that your time at the National Open University of Nigeria has prepared you to face challenges and embrace opportunities that lie ahead. Please remember, your education is not just a personal achievement — it is a responsibility to your community, your nation, and the world at large.
“We have equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to make a positive difference wherever you go. As you step into this new chapter, I urge you to always strive for excellence in all your endeavors.”
