FG Rolls Out Dual-Mandate Policy Allowing Colleges of Education to Award Degrees and NCE
The Federal Government has launched a transformative reform in teacher education by instituting the Dual Mandate Policy, empowering Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education. This initiative, following President Tinubu’s assent to the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, marks a strategic upgrade to the nation’s teacher training architecture. Federal Ministry of InformationNairametricsPunch News
Starting from September 2025, 15 approved Federal Colleges of Education are set to roll out degree programmes alongside NCE certifications. Institutions meeting NUC standards will qualify for participation, enabling them to independently manage degree offerings while phasing out the old system of university affiliations. Punch NewsNairametricsPremium Times NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria
Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, addressing stakeholders during a strategic engagement, described the policy as a “revolution in teacher preparation.” It is poised not only to elevate instructional quality by enhancing access to higher qualifications but also to diversify pathways to teacher training beyond traditional university channels. Premium Times NigeriaNairametricsThe Guardian Nigeria
The reform is designed to address persistent challenges: declining enrolment in Colleges of Education, institutional relevance, and dependency on universities for degree validation. By granting curricular autonomy and faster adaptability to educational trends, FCOEs are expected to become more responsive and sustainable. NairametricsThe Guardian Nigeria
The Minister emphasized that “no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers,” highlighting that this policy strengthens the foundation of Nigeria’s education system by ensuring teachers are better trained and equipped to meet contemporary demands. Federal Ministry of InformationThe Guardian NigeriaPunch News
Complementing policy pronouncements, the Ministry has already commenced implementation. The Permanent Secretary confirmed the launch during a sensitization programme in Abuja, with institutions liaising with both NUC and NCCE to ensure seamless accreditation and programme rollout. Admissions into dual-mode programmes are slated for the 2025–2026 academic session, supported by revised NCE minimum standards and enhanced oversight mechanisms. Punch News
Minister Alausa also urged educators and administrators to embrace technological and pedagogical reform, integrating digital skills, critical thinking, and ed-tech innovations. Traditional methodologies have been deemed inadequate, and prompt, dynamic adaptation is considered vital to reviving the education sector. The Guardian Nigeria+1The Nation Newspaper
Critically, stakeholders must rise to the challenge. The President of COEASU emphasized that the success of the Dual Mandate hinges on collaboration, resource allocation, and institutional commitment to transformation. The Guardian NigeriaFederal Ministry of Information
The Dual Mandate represents a bold milestone in Nigeria’s education reform journey, strengthening teacher preparation, broadening academic access, and fortifying institutional resilience. If implemented effectively, this policy stands to revitalize the Colleges of Education while driving profound long-term improvements in the quality of teaching nationwide.
