The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the dual mandate policy that empowers Colleges of Education (COEs) to award both bachelor’s degrees and the National Certificate in Education (NCE).
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a follow-up to the last Biannual Stakeholders’ Meeting, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, encouraged stakeholders in the education sector to fully embrace the policy.
He emphasized that the new approach would not only boost enrolment but also improve the quality of teacher training while eliminating the pressure to convert COEs into universities.
“With this dual mandate, there is no need for conversion to university status. You should be the ones pushing for implementation, not the other way around. It’s a matter of your survival,” Alausa stated.
He underscored the importance of reforming Colleges of Education to keep pace with modern demands, especially in the areas of technology and skills development.
“The way we taught 30 or 50 years ago is no longer relevant. Education and teaching methods are evolving. You must start thinking about how to use technology in the classroom,” the minister said.
Highlighting the role of technological innovation in modern education, Alausa called on educators to integrate educational technology (edtech) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their teaching practices. He warned that institutions that fail to adapt may face extinction.
“The government has secured the future of Colleges of Education. It is now up to you to sustain them. Failure to embrace this mandate could lead to extinction,” he warned.
He further announced that the implementation of the dual mandate would begin with the new academic session in September and urged institutions to begin preparations.
Responding to the minister’s address, the President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Mr. Smart Olugbeko, acknowledged the initiative, stating that while the dual mandate holds promise, its success would depend on how well existing challenges are addressed.
He expressed hope that the government would work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition and improved quality of teacher education.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dual mandate policy was signed into law in 2023 after years of deliberation and recommendations from various educational committees.
