Katsina State Government Orders Closure of Unlicensed Private Tertiary Institutions
On October 10-11, 2025, the Katsina State Government in northern Nigeria announced the immediate shutdown of several unlicensed private tertiary institutions operating without accreditation from regulatory bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC) or National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The move is part of a broader effort to sanitize the education sector and ensure compliance with national quality standards.
Key Details of the Shutdown
- Number of Institutions Affected: Reports vary slightly, but sources confirm at least 32 private tertiary schools have been closed, leaving only 7 out of 39 previously operating institutions licensed and functional.
- Reason for Closure: Investigations by the Ministry of Higher, Technical and Vocational Education revealed that these schools were running illegally, failing to meet minimum national standards for infrastructure, curriculum, and faculty qualifications. They lacked official approvals, putting students at risk of receiving substandard or unrecognized qualifications.
- Announcement Context: The decision was disclosed by Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Isah Kankara during the state’s 2026 pre-budget defense session before a committee chaired by Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas. Kankara emphasized the need to “protect students from substandard education and uphold the integrity of tertiary education.”
Impact on Revenue and Students
- Financial Implications: The closures are expected to significantly reduce the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for 2026, as many of these institutions contributed through fees and levies. The ministry has been directed to provide updated revenue projections based on the remaining licensed schools.
- Student Protections: Affected students may face disruptions, including invalid certificates that could bar them from national service (NYSC) or employment. The government has not detailed refund or transfer policies yet, but officials assure ongoing monitoring of all institutions to prevent future issues.
Broader Context
This action aligns with federal initiatives, such as the National Commission for Colleges of Education’s (NCCE) shutdown of 22 illegal colleges nationwide in August 2025, urged by President Bola Tinubu to eliminate unaccredited institutions. Katsina has a history of similar crackdowns, including the closure of 22 private health training institutions in May 2025 and all private health schools in October 2024 for non-compliance.
The government plans to submit a full list of licensed and unlicensed institutions to the budget committee for transparency. For the latest updates, check official Katsina State announcements or regulatory body websites.