"We directed to close down all outer campuses as these institutes have been selling certificates in the name of education. They do not have their own teachers and run their academic activities by hiring college-level teachers which is not acceptable," he said at a seminar.

The seminar on 'Raising co-ordination between private universities and UGC' was organised by Campus Magazine at its office in the city where vice- chancellors, deans and teachers of different private universities were present.

The UGC chairman said they have already issued letters to the authorities of outer campuses asking them not to enrol new students in their institutes.

"However, those who have already been enrolled will be given the chance to complete their courses," he said.

A task force will be formed under the supervision of the education ministry to ensure closure of outer campuses, he added.

There are some universities, which opened around 90 outer campuses in different areas, UGC sources said.

The universities are Northern University of Bangladesh, Royal University, Prime University, Darul Ihsan University and the University of Information Technology and Sciences.

Prof Nazrul Islam also urged the authorities of private universities not to set up their campus in residential areas.

Editor of Campus Magazine M Helal moderated the seminar which was also addressed by National Professor Dr Nurul Islam, University of Asia Pacific VC Prof Dr Abdul Matin Patwari, Independent University VC Dr Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury, Gono University Trustee Dr Zafarullah Chowdhury, South East University VC Prof Dr M Shamsher Ali and World University VC Prof Dr Abdul Mannan Chowdhury.