The Federal government has approved a new policy allowing Federal Colleges of Education to issue both NCE and bachelors’ degrees, thereby reshaping teacher training nationwide.
To this end, the government has officially rolled out the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs).
This decision follows the passage of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The new law empowers FCOEs to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, marking a significant change in the country’s educational landscape.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the rollout of the policy in Abuja, calling it a bold step toward transforming the nation’s education system. He described the Dual Mandate Policy as a “revolution” in teacher preparation. “It enables FCOEs to offer both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees, empowering institutions, broadening access, and improving the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria,” Alausa said.
With this new policy, all FCOEs that meet the standards of the National Universities Commission (NUC) are now eligible to offer dual qualifications. This change removes the need for university affiliations when issuing degrees, expanding access to higher education, particularly for those pursuing education degrees outside the traditional university system.
Alausa further explained that offering both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees would address the challenges of declining enrollment and strengthen the role of FCOEs in preparing future teachers. The policy also grants FCOEs more autonomy in developing and implementing their curricula, allowing them to better meet the evolving needs of the teaching profession.
He emphasized the long-term benefits of the policy, stating: “No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. This policy strengthens the foundation of our education system, ensuring that every teacher is well-trained, qualified, and prepared.”
The introduction of the Dual Mandate Policy represents a key milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to improve the quality of education and tackle critical challenges in the education sector.
* Media Report