The Federal Government has officially begun implementing bachelor’s degree programmes alongside the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) at 15 approved Federal Colleges of Education across Nigeria.
This initiative follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent assent to legislation empowering these colleges to award both qualifications concurrently.
At a one-day sensitisation programme focusing on ministerial deliverables and the education sector roadmap, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, who was represented by the Director of Educational Planning, Julie Uzor, announced this significant development.
Enitan explained that this dual certification system aims to revitalize teacher education and counter declining enrolment.
“This policy allows colleges of education to concurrently award the NCE and Bachelor’s degrees in Education,” he said.
He further noted, “As outlined in the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, this dual mode enhances access, improves quality, and modernizes teacher training.”
He also added that the Federal Government had approved the establishment of additional colleges to widen access and boost enrolment opportunities.
A review of the NCE Minimum Standards is ongoing to “ensure the programmes meet current educational needs and maintain high standards,” Enitan revealed.
Confirming the rollout, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, Prof Paulinus Okwelle, stated that the commission was ramping up monitoring and evaluation efforts to support the effective implementation of the new policy.
“The dual mode is at the implementation stage, and preparations are in full gear,” Okwelle told journalists.
“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 highlighted that the 2023 amendment to the Federal Colleges of Education Act provided the legal foundation for this dual-mode implementation.
“With proper pedagogical and content training, our teachers will be better equipped to manage modern classroom challenges,” Okwelle added confidently.
Regarding the welfare of lecturers, Okwelle affirmed that the government was actively working to improve staff motivation through various initiatives, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and guided by President Tinubu’s directives.
Dr Uche Uba, Director of Colleges of Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, welcomed the development.
She confirmed that the 15 approved federal colleges were already coordinating with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure a smooth 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,” Dr Uba said.
