FRIDAY May 2, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
In a groundbreaking move, Nigeria’s Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) can now award Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, following the official launch of the Dual Mandate Policy on Friday, May 2.
This development comes after the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The new policy, as confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Education, empowers FCOEs to offer both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education simultaneously. This significant reform is expected to transform teacher education across the country.
At the announcement in Abuja, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa hailed the initiative as a major step forward for the education sector.
“The Dual Mandate Policy represents not just a reform but a revolution in teacher preparation, enabling FCOEs to offer both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees.
“This initiative empowers institutions, broadens access, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria,” Dr. Alausa said.
Under the new Act, any FCOE that meets National Universities Commission standards is now eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate. This ensures that all institutions, regardless of their establishment date, can participate as long as they meet the required criteria.
This reform is poised to address several long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s education system, including declining enrolment, institutional relevance, and the dependency on universities for issuing degrees.
By granting FCOEs the authority to award Bachelor’s Degrees, the policy expands access to higher education and provides an alternative route to earning an Education degree outside the traditional university system.
Dr. Alausa emphasised the policy’s broader impact on teacher quality and the education system as a whole.
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. This policy strengthens the foundation of our education system, ensuring that every teacher is trained, qualified, and prepared,” he stated.
The introduction of the Dual Mandate Policy marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s educational reforms, offering FCOEs greater autonomy in curriculum development and positioning them as critical players in shaping the future of the nation’s education system.
