Federal Government starts bachelor’s degree programmes in 15 colleges to train better teachers.
The new system lets students earn both NCE and degree from the same school.
The Federal Government has launched the implementation of bachelor’s degree programs alongside the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 15 selected Federal Colleges of Education across the country.
This development comes after President Bola Tinubu signed into law the revised Federal Colleges of Education Act, which now permits these institutions to offer both NCE and bachelor’s degrees in education.
Speaking during a one-day sensitization session on ministerial deliverables and the education roadmap, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, shared details of the policy rollout. Represented by the Director of Educational Planning, Julie Uzor, Enitan explained that the new dual certification system is intended to revamp teacher education and boost enrolment rates in the sector.
He said the initiative would help modernize teacher training in line with current educational demands while increasing access to quality education. “The policy allows Federal Colleges of Education to offer both the NCE and bachelor’s degrees in education at the same time. This change is in line with the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, and will improve teacher quality and expand opportunities,” he stated.
Enitan also announced the government’s plan to establish more colleges of education to cater to the rising need for teacher training and expand student intake.
Further updates were provided by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Professor Paulinus Okwelle. He confirmed that full preparations are underway for the dual certification program, which is set to begin with the 2025–2026 academic session. According to him, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will begin listing both degree and NCE courses for admission from that session.
Prof. Okwelle emphasized that the legal backing for this policy was secured through the amendment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act last year. He expressed optimism that the initiative will attract more students and improve the overall quality of teaching in the country.
“The dual mode program will help us train teachers who are better prepared to handle today’s classroom realities. It includes both strong content knowledge and sound teaching skills,” he said.
He also mentioned that efforts are being made to improve the welfare of lecturers under the direction of the Federal Ministry of Education and in line with President Tinubu’s goals for the sector.
Dr Uche Uba, Director of Colleges of Education at the ministry, praised the rollout and confirmed that the 15 participating colleges are already working with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure a smooth transition. She noted that clear guidelines have been provided and all the institutions are meeting the necessary conditions for implementation.
