FG empowers Colleges of Education to award NCE, bachelor’s degrees

The federal government has empowered Federal Colleges of Education to concurrently award the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s teacher education reform.

Folasade Boriowo, the director of press at the Federal Ministry of Education, disclosed this on Friday in a statement which states that the federal government has officially commenced the implementation of the dual mandate policy across all Federal Colleges of Education, following the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.

This legislation, the statement further states, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, empowers the Federal Colleges of Education to concurrently award the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s teacher education reform.

Tunji Alausa, minister of education, announcing the policy rollout in Abuja, described the implementation as a bold and progressive step.

“The dual mandate policy represents not just a reform but a revolution in teacher preparation, enabling the Federal Colleges of Education to offer both NCE and bachelor’s degrees.

“This initiative empowers institutions, broadens access, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria,” he said.

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According to the Act, all the Federal Colleges of Education that meet the National Universities Commission standards are now eligible to operate under the dual mandate

This inclusive policy ensures that institutions, regardless of their establishment date, can participate once the stipulated requirements are met.

Alausa emphasising the policy’s impact, stated that offering degrees within the Federal Colleges of Education equips educators with higher competencies to meet the evolving demands of the education sector.

Besides, he said it will expand access to higher education by providing an alternative route to earn education degrees outside the traditional university system.

The dual mandate, he explained, addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, including curbing declining enrolment, preserving institutional relevance, and eliminating the need for university affiliations in the issuance of degrees.

Moreover, the minister stressed that the policy grants greater autonomy to Federal Colleges of Education in curriculum development and implementation, enabling them to respond more swiftly to emerging trends and needs in the teaching profession.

“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. This policy strengthens the foundation of our education system, ensuring that every teacher is trained, qualified, and prepared,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalising education.