Federal Colleges Of Education To Now Award Bachelor’s degrees – FG
The Nigerian Federal Government has sanctioned the adoption of the Dual Mandate Policy in all Federal Colleges of Education nationwide, following the passage of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of this bill into law, as confirmed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, signifies a pivotal advancement in Nigeria’s teacher education reform. The legislation authorizes Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) to confer both the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education simultaneously.
In Abuja, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa unveiled the policy’s implementation, stating: “The Dual Mandate Policy represents not just a reform but a revolution in teacher preparation, enabling FCOEs to offer both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees. This initiative empowers institutions, broadens access, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria.”
Per the Act, all FCOEs meeting the National Universities Commission’s criteria are now qualified to implement the Dual Mandate. This equitable policy ensures that institutions, irrespective of their founding date, can engage once they fulfill the specified standards.
The Minister underscored the policy’s importance, noting that enabling FCOEs to award degrees will elevate teachers’ competencies to address the evolving demands of the education sector.
The minister remarked, “I was pleased to hold a strategic engagement with the staff unions and management of our Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs).
“As part of our goal to strengthen teacher training and uplift education overall, we are proceeding with the updated Act governing our FCOEs.
“This Act, endorsed by Mr President in 2023, now allows the colleges to grant both the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
“As Mr President says, ‘The youth are the heartbeat of our great nation.’ The heart is the most vital organ in the human body, and for it to perform at its peak, our students must be thoroughly educated and skillfully taught.
“During the meeting, I stressed that the approach to educating our students must transform. The traditional methods are no longer sufficient in today’s world. We must adapt to align with global standards to achieve success.
“The perception of becoming a teacher—and the teaching profession as a whole—must also shift. There needs to be mutual respect among teachers, students, academics, and parents. Teaching is a noble profession; without teachers and educators, societies would not be what they are today. They are essential to nation-building and the progress of this great country.
“The ministry is dedicated to ensuring that the dual mandate is implemented by the next academic year, beginning in September 2025,” he concluded.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli