The federal government has approved the award of degrees by federal colleges of education in the country.
This is in compliance with the dual mandate policy following the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
The signing of this legislation into law by President Bola Tinubu, as announced by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, marks a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s teacher education reform.
The law enables federal colleges of education to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education concurrently.
Announcing the policy rollout in Abuja, the Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa said: “The dual mandate policy represents not just a reform but a revolution in teacher preparation, enabling 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.”
According to the Act, all federal colleges of education that meet the National Universities Commission standards are now eligible to operate under the dual mandate.
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This inclusive policy ensures that institutions, regardless of their establishment date, can participate once the stipulated requirements are met.
The minister highlighted the policy’s significance, stating that allowing federal colleges of education to offer degrees will enhance educators’ skills to meet the changing needs of the education sector.
The minister said: “I was pleased to hold a strategic engagement with the staff unions and management of our federal colleges of education.
“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 federal colleges of education.
“This Act, approved by Mr President 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 said 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 emphasised 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.”
