In a shocking revelation that has sent waves through the educational sector, a nursing college operated by a farmer has been shut down, and its owner detained, following a damning investigative report by Saturday PUNCH. The Lagos State Government took swift action by sealing Tower College of Health, Science, and Management in Gberigbe, Ikorodu, and arresting its proprietor, Femi Adeigbe. But here's where it gets controversial—the college was allegedly admitting and training students across 24 courses without any accreditation, raising serious questions about the oversight of educational institutions in the country.
This exposé is part of a larger investigation that uncovers a disturbing trend: some universities in Benin have been funneling graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through private polytechnics in Nigeria, bypassing proper accreditation processes. Is this a systemic failure, or just the tip of the iceberg?
School Sealed, Owner Arrested
According to a source who spoke to Saturday PUNCH, the college was abruptly shut down, and Adeigbe was taken into custody. The source explained, “The school has been locked due to its lack of accreditation. The founder is in custody, and the premises are deserted. Students and staff are too afraid to return, fearing further repercussions. Officials arrived to seal the school, leaving it inaccessible.”
The enforcement operation was led by the Directorate of Nursing Services (DNS) under the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Committee of Lagos State, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Rapid Response Squad. Adeigbe was detained for questioning and potential prosecution, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
During the operation, DNS Director Sola Aketi emphasized that the school had been previously warned about its illegal activities. She stated, “With this closure, the unauthorized institution will immediately cease all nursing training and educational programs. We are aware of several such schools across the state, and we are committed to shutting them all down. Tower College is just one of many unapproved institutions operating here, and we will continue to clean up the nursing education system.”
Ministry Launches Probe
In a related development, the Ministry of Education has formed a committee to investigate claims that the college was operating without proper government accreditation. Fabian Benjamin, spokesperson for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), confirmed the establishment of the committee but remained tight-lipped on the details. “We are taking action, but we cannot disclose our plans at this stage, as it could compromise the investigation,” he said.
A government insider revealed that the investigation is already underway, with the school’s location identified and discreet inquiries being made. “Findings have been submitted to headquarters, and agencies like the DSS are involved, working closely with the Ministry of Education. The ministry’s quality assurance team is leading the effort,” the official explained. They also expressed concern over the alarming rise in illegal schools nationwide, vowing that the government would continue to identify and shut them down.
Reactions and Aftermath
Haruna Mamman, National President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, confirmed to Saturday PUNCH that the college was not registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the regulatory body for nursing education. “I am certain this school is not on their list. Anyone can verify this with the NMCN,” he said.
Interestingly, after the initial publication, the college’s operators hastily altered its website. On November 1, 2025, Adeigbe’s photos were removed, and contact information was changed. Sections of the website, including the registration portal, were edited. For instance, the list of 24 courses was deleted from the ‘Admission’ section. Initially, the site claimed 1,025 students and 24 courses, but after the report, these figures dropped to 522 students and 12 courses, with numbers fluctuating each time the page was refreshed.
Adeigbe’s personal WhatsApp Business catalogue, which previously featured his photos, Esfam students’ photos, and Tower College details, was also updated. The school’s Instagram handle, @towercollege, is now private and bears Adeigbe’s name, though he retains his personal account.
Experts Demand Accountability
Education expert and public commentator Adeniyi Kunnu placed the blame squarely on the government for allowing such illegal institutions to thrive. He argued that the operation of unaccredited schools stems from corporate incompetence, lack of oversight, weak regulatory policies, and poor record-keeping. “Government representatives in the education ministry and related agencies have failed to grasp the country’s educational landscape,” he said. Kunnu advised parents to verify a school’s accreditation online before enrolling their children.
He challenged, “I urge readers to check if the government maintains a blacklist of unaccredited schools in Lagos, warning patrons to avoid them. Even schools with genuine approval lack proper online records, making it difficult for Nigerians to make informed choices.”
Educationist Sulaimon Okewole echoed similar sentiments, calling for the prosecution of those involved. “Individuals cannot be allowed to undermine our education system. The federal government must root out these illegal institutions,” he asserted.
And this is the part most people miss—while the shutdown of Tower College is a step in the right direction, it raises broader questions about the effectiveness of regulatory bodies and the prevalence of such institutions nationwide. Are we doing enough to protect students and maintain educational standards? Or is this just the beginning of a much-needed crackdown? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
