Tech & Tools DeskNew Era for Teacher Training as Colleges of Education Now Award Degrees
The Federal Government has begun implementing a landmark reform that allows Colleges of Education nationwide to independently award both the National Certificate in Education and education degrees.
Announcing the move at a national summit in Abuja on 19 August 2025, Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Minister of State Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, said the policy is anchored on the Federal Colleges of Education Establishment Act No 43 of 2023. The dual mandate grants Colleges of Education full legal and operational authority to expand degree offerings while maintaining their core teacher training mission.
NCCE Executive Secretary Prof Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle hailed the step as transformational for teacher education, noting that colleges can now leverage existing staff, facilities and expertise to deliver degrees directly. House Committee Chair on Federal Colleges of Education Hon Adamu Tanko assured stakeholders that degrees from the colleges will be equivalent to those of conventional universities.
The Ministry pledged clear guidelines, technical support and resource mobilisation to ensure smooth rollout, positioning the reform to boost teacher supply, retain talent and widen access for student teachers across the country.
