FG Reviews Colleges of Education Curriculum, Endorses Dual Mandate

The Federal Government has approved a new policy allowing Federal Colleges of Education (FCEs) to operate a dual mandate system.

Under this arrangement, eligible colleges will be empowered to concurrently offer the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree programs.

The decision, which comes amidst concerns over declining enrollment figures in colleges of education nationwide, is expected to attract more students into the teaching profession and raise the overall standard of education in the country.

The dual mandate policy was made possible through the passage of the Dual Mode Act, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The law permits Federal Colleges of Education, particularly those that have been operational for over ten years, to run both NCE and degree programs independently, without reliance on university affiliations.

Under the structure, students will be able to progress seamlessly from a three-year NCE program into a two-year degree program within the same institution. This integrated approach offers a clear academic and career pathway for aspiring educators.

To guide the smooth transition, the Federal Government has constituted a technical committee to oversee the rollout of the dual mandate across eligible institutions. This committee will be responsible for ensuring that colleges meet the necessary infrastructure, faculty, and curriculum standards required to offer degree-level programs.

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE)—the regulatory body for teacher education—will supervise and accredit the degree programs. The NCCE has assured stakeholders that only students who have successfully completed their NCE will be considered for admission into the degree phase, ensuring continuity and academic rigor.

Professor Paulinus Chijioke, Executive Secretary of the NCCE, hailed the dual mandate policy as a landmark reform. He emphasized that it would not only address low enrollment but also enhance the professional development of teachers.

“This initiative empowers our colleges to train educators from foundation to degree level, and ultimately positions teaching as a respected and attractive career choice for young Nigerians,” Chijioke stated.

The policy is also expected to reduce the marginalization of NCE holders, who have often faced limited career advancement opportunities compared to their university-trained counterparts.

Provosts and education experts across the country have welcomed the Federal Government’s move. Professor Okey Rueben Okechukwu, Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu, Ebonyi State, described the policy as “timely and transformative,” adding that it will modernize teacher education and provide students with better prospects.

Education policy analysts also note that the dual mandate aligns with global best practices, where institutions offer flexible, progressive programs to improve access to quality teacher training.

As the policy rolls out, more colleges are expected to apply for dual-mode status, contributing to a more robust and dynamic teacher education sector in Nigeria. With teacher quality being a critical factor in national development, the dual mandate is seen as a major step forward in building a sustainable, high-performing education system.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting institutions with the necessary resources to implement the dual mandate effectively, ensuring that the quality of instruction and outcomes are not compromised.