FG Tasks Colleges Of Education On Actualisation Of Dual Mandate

In a bid to transform the Education sector, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, has urged stakeholders of Colleges of Education to rise to the challenge, embrace innovation, and be fully committed to the dual mandate, which allows the colleges to award both bachelor’s degrees and National Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications.

Dr Alausa gave the charge duriing a breakfast meeting with Staff Unions and the Committee of Provosts of State and federal Colleges of Education in Abuja.

Dr. Alausa emphasized that the Nigerian education sector stands at a critical juncture, while identifying declining enrollment, which demands bold reforms, calling for an approach that will boost enrollment, enhance the quality of teacher education, and eliminate the need to convert Colleges of Education into universities.

“Let me be clear, Colleges that fail to implement this policy risk becoming extinct. We must not cling to structures that no longer reflect modern educational realities.”

Also, speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’ad Ahmad, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering support for the Dual Mandate Policy, which she described as a top priority of the current administration, aimed at improving teacher education and widening access to quality higher education for Nigerian youths.

“We have listened, we’ve consulted. Now is the time to act. The Dual Mandate is not a policy. It’s a rescue mission. Let’s not miss this opportunity,” she stressed.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, emphasized that teacher education remains the cornerstone of the nation’s educational development, describing engagement as very timely.

In his remarks, President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Dr. Smart Olugbeko highlighted the importance of collective responsibilities in achieving the dual mandate, which permits Colleges of Education to award both degrees and NCE qualifications, signed into law in 2023.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively in advancing the education sector towards excellence, innovation, and restored glory.

PR/Nkiruka Okeke