The Federal Government in a major step toward improving the quality of teacher education in Nigeria, has announced that Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) can now award the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education.
This new development follows the revised Act governing FCOEs, which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with staff unions and management of the colleges to discuss the implementation of the Dual Mandate and the future of teacher training in the country.
Alausa emphasised the need to change the public perception of teaching as a profession, calling for greater respect and collaboration among teachers, students, academics, and parents.
He assured that the ministry with key stakeholders, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), would ensure that the new degree-awarding structure takes effect in the 2025/2026 academic session, beginning in September.
A statement by the Minister on his X handle reads: ” I was pleased to hold a strategic engagement with the staff unions and management of our Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs).
“As part of our objective to enhance teacher training and improve education as a whole, we are moving forward with the revised Act governing our FCOEs. This Act, approved by Mr President #officialABAT in 2023, now permits the colleges to award both the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
“As Mr. President says, “The youth are the heartbeat of our great nation.” The heart is the most critical organ in the human body, and for it to function at its highest capacity, our students must be well educated and effectively taught.
“During the meeting, I emphasized that the way we educate our students must evolve. The old methods are no longer effective in today’s society. We must adapt to meet international standards if we are to succeed.
“The narrative around becoming a teacher—and the teaching profession more broadly—must also change. There must be mutual respect among teachers, students, academics, and parents. Teaching is a valuable profession; without teachers and educators, societies would not be what they are today. They are integral to nation-building and the transformation of this great country.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that the Dual Mandate takes effect by the upcoming academic year, starting in September 2025. We are actively engaging with the #OfficialNUC, the #NCCEHQR, and #JAMBHQ to ensure that each body fulfills its role in implementing the Dual Mandate provision.”
