The dual task of allowing the College of Education (COE) to award a bachelor’s degree and a national certificate of education (NCE).
Education Minister Tunji Alausa disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, April 22, during the follow-up of the resolution of the last biennial stakeholder meeting.
In 2023, the mission was signed into law and has been recommended by many committees to adopt its adoption.
Effective from the 2024/2025 Academic Conference (starting from September 2024), where only federal Coes, who are at least 10 years old, can pilot the program.
Alausa said Tuesday that the execution of the dual mission will now begin in September 2025.
The education minister said this will promote enrollment for COES and eliminate the need to convert COES into universities.
Alausa said that reforms within COES are important to adapt to modern needs and technological advancements.
He urged educators to integrate technology, critical thinking and computing skills into their curriculum.
“We used to have a strong education system and that’s what we’re working on recovering. All hands are on the deck to achieve that.”
“We have to address a large number of off-campus children and reduce learning poverty across the country. As teachers, you are the center of driving this change and you have to challenge yourself.
“The way we taught 30 or 50 years ago was no longer relevant. Education and teaching methods are developing. You have to start thinking about how to use technology in the classroom.”
In addressing a decline in school enrollment rates in education, Alausa urged executives and staff to support ongoing reforms, warning that the survival of their institutions depends on their ability to adapt.
“With this double mandate, there is no need to switch to university status. You should be the one who drives implementation, not the other way around. It’s a matter of your survival,” he said.
“The government has secured the future of the education college. It’s up to you to maintain them now. Not accepting this task could lead to extinction.
“Through this reform, there is no reason for any education college to seek university status.”
