The Federal Government has officially commenced the implementation of bachelor’s degree programmes in 15 approved Federal Colleges of Education across the country.
This development comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s recent assent to legislation empowering Federal Colleges of Education to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education.
The announcement was made during a one-day sensitisation programme held in Abuja, focused on ministerial deliverables and the roadmap for the education sector.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, represented by the Director of Educational Planning, Julie Uzor, highlighted the significance of the new policy.
“This policy allows Colleges of Education to concurrently award the NCE and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education. As outlined in the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, this dual mode enhances access, improves quality, and modernises teacher training,” he said.
Enitan also noted that the Federal Government has approved the creation of additional colleges to expand access and increase enrollment.
He further stated that a review of the NCE Minimum Standards is currently underway to ensure alignment with modern educational needs and to maintain high standards.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, affirmed that preparations for the dual-mode programme are already in full swing.
“The dual mode is at the implementation stage, and preparations are in full gear,” Okwelle said.
“As advertised by JAMB, admissions under the dual mode will begin in the 2025–2026 academic session. Students will now be admitted for both NCE and bachelor’s degree programmes,” he added.
Okwelle explained that the amendment to the Federal Colleges of Education Act in 2023 provided the legal foundation for this dual certification model.
He expressed optimism that the initiative will not only boost enrollment figures but also enhance the quality of teacher education in Nigeria.
“With proper pedagogical and content training, our teachers will be better equipped to manage modern classroom challenges,” he said.
Regarding staff welfare, Okwelle assured stakeholders that efforts are being made to improve lecturer motivation through various government-backed initiatives.
These measures are being coordinated with the Federal Ministry of Education and are in line with directives from the presidency.
Dr. Uche Uba, Director of Colleges of Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, also welcomed the development.
She confirmed that all 15 participating Federal Colleges of Education are currently working with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
“There is a clear implementation guideline in place. The colleges are liaising with the NUC, and all are following the set conditions to make the process seamless,” she stated.
