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NIgeria Govt Approves Dual Degrees For Colleges Of Education

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2 months ago

Oct 6, 2024.

The Federal Government has approved the introduction of a dual-mode system in colleges of education, allowing them to concurrently offer both degree programs and the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

This significant development was announced by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Chijioke, during the 2024 National Teachers’ Day celebration organized by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Prof. Chijioke explained that the dual-mode initiative is designed to enhance access to teacher education, address the issue of low enrollment, and ensure the production of well-trained professional teachers across the country.

He further emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to elevate the status of the teaching profession, ensuring it attracts the brightest and most passionate individuals.

“The goal is to make the teaching profession more attractive and ensure we produce high-quality teachers who are well-equipped to improve education in Nigeria,” Chijioke stated.

The President of COEASU, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the Colleges of Education Establishment Act into law.

This new legislation grants autonomy to colleges of education, allowing them to award degrees in teacher education alongside the traditional NCE qualification.

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Olugbeko highlighted that the act is a major step toward improving the education system and the overall quality of teaching in Nigeria.

“In light of the dual mandate, we have continually encouraged our members to strive for higher academic achievements, professional excellence, and increased productivity,” Olugbeko remarked.

He further announced that COEASU has initiated a review of the career progression criteria for lecturers in colleges of education to ensure that qualifications and research output meet global standards, with the aim of instituting a professorial cadre within these institutions.

“We are ready for this change and urge the Federal Government to expedite the full implementation of these reforms,” he added.

During the celebration, COEASU awarded N3.5 million in scholarships to six outstanding students, one from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, in recognition of their academic excellence.

Additionally, the union presented legacy awards to several distinguished educators, including the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, former Bauchi State Deputy Governor Alhaji Abdulmalik Mahmood, and other notable individuals for their contributions to education and teacher development in Nigeria.