FG Endorses Plan for Colleges of Education to Award Degrees and NCE

The Federal Government has thrown its support behind a plan that will allow Colleges of Education to offer both bachelor’s degrees and the National Certificate in Education (NCE).

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, encouraged all stakeholders within the College of Education system to embrace this dual role. He believes this step will not only improve enrolment but also raise the standard of teacher training without needing to upgrade colleges into universities.

Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of modernizing the education sector, pointing out that relying solely on outdated teaching techniques is no longer effective. He called on educators to incorporate technology, critical thinking, and computational skills into their teaching strategies.

“We cannot keep teaching the same way we did decades ago. Classrooms must evolve, and technology should be at the heart of this change,” he said.

He stressed the importance of leveraging educational technologies and artificial intelligence to improve learning outcomes, warning that institutions unwilling to adapt may struggle to stay relevant.

“There’s no longer any excuse for pushing for university status. The law now supports you to offer degrees alongside NCEs. It’s your responsibility to make it work,” he stated.

The Minister confirmed that this dual mandate will officially begin with the new academic session in September, urging colleges to make the necessary preparations.

In response, COEASU President, Mr. Smart Olugbeko, acknowledged the initiative and noted that while the plan holds great promise, its success depends on addressing current operational challenges. He expressed hope that the government will work closely with stakeholders to ensure smooth execution and improve the quality of teacher education.

The dual mandate policy, which was signed into law in 2023, had been under discussion for years before receiving formal approval. It allows Colleges of Education to grant both degrees and NCEs, a move expected to redefine the landscape of teacher training in Nigeria.