Abuja: The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has called on stakeholders in Colleges of Education (COEs) to fully embrace the dual mandate allowing these institutions to award both bachelor’s degrees and National Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications. This initiative aims to boost enrolment, enhance the quality of teacher education, and eliminate the need for converting Colleges of Education into universities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Alausa made this appeal during a follow-up meeting on the resolutions from the last Biannual Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abuja. He highlighted the necessity for reforms within Colleges of Education, stressing the importance of adapting to modern demands and technological advancements. The minister pointed out that traditional teaching methods are outdated and urged educators to integrate technology, critical thinking, and computational skills into their curricula.
Alausa further emphasized the need for educators to leverage educational technology (edtech) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Addressing the issue of declining enrolment in Colleges of Education, he urged administrators and staff to support the ongoing reforms, cautioning that the survival of these institutions depends on their ability to adapt.
He stated that with the dual mandate in place, there is no need for conversion to university status and encouraged the institutions to push for implementation. Alausa assured the government’s commitment to supporting these reforms and improving the welfare of educators, announcing that the dual mandate would take effect from the upcoming academic session in September.
In response, the President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Mr. Smart Olugbeko, expressed that the success of the dual mandate relies on addressing various challenges and complexities. He conveyed optimism that the government would collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and improved quality in teacher education.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the dual mandate, permitting Colleges of Education to award both degrees and NCE qualifications, was signed into law in 2023. The policy had been under discussion for years, with numerous committees recommending its adoption.
