The National Commission for Colleges of Education has announced plans to introduce a competency-based digital curriculum for colleges of education across the country.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Angela Ajala, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during activities to mark her first 100 days in office.

Ajala said the proposed curriculum would place greater emphasis on practical learning, digital literacy, skills acquisition and technology-enabled teaching, rather than the largely theoretical approach currently in use.

She said the commission was working with the National Universities Commission and other stakeholders to develop the framework, which would allow students to access learning materials, assessments and instructional modules remotely.

According to her, the initiative is intended to produce teachers who are digitally competent and better prepared for modern classrooms.

Ajala added that the commission was partnering with the National Information Technology Development Agency to integrate digital skills into teacher training.

She said graduates of colleges of education would also be equipped with practical skills alongside their academic qualifications.

The NCCE boss said the commission would implement the dual-mandate policy gradually, allowing eligible colleges of education to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education and bachelor’s degrees.

She acknowledged funding challenges but said the commission was working with development partners and other stakeholders to support its reform agenda.

Ajala said the reforms would also promote inclusive education and improve the quality of teachers produced in the country.