The Federal Government has introduced a major reform that allows Colleges of Education in Nigeria to run their own degree programmes alongside the National Certificate in Education (NCE), without the need to partner with universities.
Speaking at the National Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, August 19, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the move as a historic breakthrough for the country’s education system.
For the first time, Colleges of Education in Nigeria are now legally permitted to run both NCE and degree programmes in teacher education. The decision is backed by the Federal Colleges of Education (Establishment) Act No. 43 of 2023.
The minister explained that the reform builds on the long years of competence and experience of these institutions. She added that the dual system gives them full authority to broaden their academic programmes while staying true to their main purpose of producing skilled teachers.
Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), praised the policy and described it as historic. He said the new arrangement would boost teacher education and create more opportunities for student-teachers.
For many years, Colleges of Education worked with universities to offer degree programmes. Okwelle noted that with this reform, they now have the freedom to handle such programmes independently, using their own manpower, facilities, and academic expertise.
He further explained that the dual mandate will produce graduates with both NCE and B.Ed qualifications, ensure a steady flow of trained teachers, and help retain professional educators in the system.
Hon. Adamu Tanko, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, also assured Nigerians that degrees from the Colleges of Education will carry the same value as those awarded by universities.
The Ministry of Education promised to continue supporting the initiative with policies, technical assistance, and funding to guarantee its successful implementation.
