Tinubu directs NUC, NBTE, others to eliminate illegal tertiary schools

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other relevant agencies to take decisive action against unapproved tertiary institutions in order to protect the nation’s education system from fraudulent practices. He stressed that maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s academic landscape is non-negotiable.

He gave clear instructions to the agencies to bring an end to the operations of certificate mills, restating his administration’s strong stance on raising the standard of education in Nigeria.

The President made this announcement on Saturday during the 14th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, where two prominent 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 honoured with Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

Dr. Adesina was conferred with the Honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) Honoris Causa, while Abbas received the Honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Honoris Causa.

The ceremony also marked the graduation of 51 correctional facility inmates nationwide, made up of 41 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate learners.

Represented by Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of University Education, President Tinubu urged higher institutions to develop forward-thinking strategies that ensure students graduate with academic qualifications and vital soft skills needed in the digital era.

He pointed out that as the global economy moves toward knowledge-based systems, it is essential for Nigeria to adapt. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing innovation and tech competencies.

He reiterated the urgency of putting an end to the unchecked growth of unregistered universities and other institutions of higher learning within 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 encouraged NOUN to be at the forefront of developing a workforce with digital capabilities that can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy and its international standing, acknowledging the university’s capacity to revolutionize both education and skill acquisition.

He urged the institution’s leadership to fully transition NOUN into a digital-first university, taking advantage of its proficiency 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 assured that his government is backing the use of digital technology to support learning. “Through strategic interventions, we are ensuring that education remains inclusive and technologically driven,” he added.

He revealed that the federal government is funding the deployment of fiber optic infrastructure at NOUN through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity for learners at study centres across all geopolitical regions.

In his speech, NOUN Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, said the convocation was held in Abuja and simultaneously across study centres in all 36 states.

He revealed that 17,420 students graduated, having met both academic and ethical standards, with 10,967 at the undergraduate level and 6,413 earning postgraduate degrees.

Among the undergraduate graduates, 16 students achieved first-class honours; 1,417 earned second-class upper; 5,518 received second-class lower; 2,761 graduated with third-class degrees; and 138 had pass grades. At the postgraduate level, 2,103 were awarded postgraduate diplomas, 4,310 completed master’s programmes, and 40 obtained Doctorate degrees.

He explained that NOUN was created to address the limitations of traditional universities, such as limited infrastructure and admission space. The university takes pride in offering flexible, affordable, high-quality education that is widely accessible.

He also mentioned that the university demonstrates its commitment to fairness and equal opportunity through its promotion of lifelong learning, including outreach to correctional facility inmates. So far, 139 inmates have benefited from NOUN scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate education.

“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 encouraged the graduates to maintain high ethical standards, pursue their goals with dedication, and apply their education to bring about positive change in their communities.

He asked them to stay connected with the university by participating in its advancement efforts, both personally and as a group.

“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.”