FG Grants Colleges of Education Full Powers to Award Degrees

The Federal Government has kicked off a bold reform that gives Nigeria’s Colleges of Education full powers to award degrees and NCEs.

This means they no longer need to affiliate with universities to run degree programmes in teacher education.

The announcement came during a National Summit held in Abuja on Tuesday, August 19.

Representing the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Suwaiba Said Ahmad called the move “a historic milestone in Nigeria’s educational development.”

She said: “For the first time in our history, our Colleges of Education have been legally empowered to run NCE and degree programmes concurrently.”

The reform is backed by the Federal Colleges of Education (Establishment) Act No. 43 of 2023.

According to her, the dual-mandate system allows colleges to expand their academic reach while staying true to their mission.

“They now have full legislative and operational authority to produce highly skilled and professional teachers,” she added.

Colleges Can Now Stand Alone

Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, head of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), said the reform will “revitalise teacher education and expand access for student-teachers.”

He explained: “For decades, Colleges of Education partnered with universities to offer degrees. Today, with full legislative backing, they now have the autonomy to do so directly.”

He said the institutions can now rely on their own manpower, facilities, and academic strength.

The dual mandate will produce graduates with both NCE and B.Ed qualifications, and help retain skilled educators.

Degrees Will Match University Standards

Hon. Adamu Tanko, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, assured Nigerians that the new degrees will be equal in value.

“The value of the degree awarded by the Colleges of Education will be equivalent to those conferred by conventional universities across the country,” he said.

The Ministry of Education pledged ongoing support through policy guidelines, technical help, and funding.

This reform could reshape Nigeria’s teacher training landscape and boost access to quality education.

Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!