The Federal Government has granted approval for the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to implement a dual mode of running both degree and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programs simultaneously in colleges of education. This initiative was revealed by the Executive Secretary of the NCCE, Prof. Paulinus Chijioke, during the 2024 National Teachers’ Day celebration organized by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).
The decision is aimed at expanding access to teacher education, addressing low enrollment numbers, and ensuring the production of highly qualified professional teachers across Nigeria. Prof. Chijioke emphasized that the introduction of the dual mode system would help elevate the quality of teacher training while maintaining a high standard of education for students entering the profession.
Dr. Smart Olugbeko, President of COEASU, praised the move and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the Colleges of Education Establishment Act. This act grants colleges of education the autonomy to award degrees in teacher education concurrently with the NCE, giving the institutions a broader mandate. Olugbeko also stressed the importance of maintaining high academic and professional standards, urging COEASU members to pursue higher qualifications and uphold global standards in their teaching and research output.
To further encourage academic excellence, COEASU awarded N3.5 million to six outstanding students, each representing one of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These awards were presented during the International Teachers’ Day celebration, which had the theme “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards Repositioning Teacher Education in Nigeria.” Distinguished educators, such as the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, and the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, were among the recipients of COEASU’s legacy awards for their contributions to the sector.
In addition, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who attended the event, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to improving the welfare of teachers. He announced that in addition to the COEASU awards, the government will provide scholarships to the six exceptional students. Their information will be forwarded to the Federal Scholarship Board, and the minister encouraged others to see teaching as a valuable profession that requires dedication and passion.
The event also featured a keynote address by Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, the former Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Prof. Ajiboye advocated for better remuneration for teachers and regular training sessions, workshops, and conferences to boost their skills. He called for more engagement with teachers, unions, and communities in policy-making processes, as well as increased funding for education infrastructure. Ajiboye further recommended launching a nationwide recruitment campaign to attract more individuals to the teaching profession and ensure sustainable development within the education sector.
