FG okays degree programmes for Colleges of Education

The Federal Government has approved the award of bachelor degree programme for the federal colleges of education in the country.

This follows the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education after the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.

A statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, on Friday, stated that the Act which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, empowers FCOEs to concurrently award the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education.

According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the implementation as a bold and progressive step.

“The dual mandate policy represents not just a reform but a revolution in teacher preparation, enabling FCOEs to offer both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees. This initiative empowers institutions, broadens access, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria,” he said.

Alausa emphasised the policy’s impact, noting that offering degrees within FCOEs equips educators with higher competencies to meet the evolving demands of the education sector.

He added that the policy also expanded access to higher education by providing an alternative route to earn education degrees outside the traditional university system.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalising education, the minister stated, “No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. This policy strengthens the foundation of our education system, ensuring that every teacher is trained, qualified, and prepared.”

All FCOEs that meet the National Universities Commission’s standards are now eligible to operate under the dual mandate with the implementation of the Act.

The Act also ensures that institutions, regardless of their establishment date, can participate once the stipulated requirements are met.

The dual mandate addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, including curbing declining enrolment, preserving institutional relevance, and eliminating the need for university affiliations in the issuance of degrees.

Furthermore, the policy grants greater autonomy to FCOEs in curriculum development and implementation, enabling them to respond more swiftly to emerging trends and needs in the teaching profession.