FG Gives Federal Colleges of Education Green Light to Award Bachelor Degrees
In a major shake-up of Nigeria’s teacher education system, the Federal Government has approved a policy that allows all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) to now award Bachelor Degrees in Education, alongside the traditional NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education).
The announcement follows the signing of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, setting the stage for a new era in the training of teachers across the country.
Until now, Colleges of Education were only allowed to award NCEs and had to affiliate with universities to run degree programmes. But that has changed.
Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Education described the move as “a revolution” in the sector, saying the policy will empower colleges, raise the quality of teachers, and give more young Nigerians a chance to earn education degrees without going through a university.
“This is about access, quality, and relevance,” the Minister said. “Our Colleges of Education are now fully equipped to train teachers up to the Bachelor Degree level. No more bottlenecks. No more affiliations.”
To qualify, FCOEs must meet the standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Once cleared, they can independently run degree programmes, develop their own curricula, and respond more quickly to changes in the education landscape.
The move is also seen as a lifeline for many colleges struggling with low enrolment and limited funding.
Stakeholders have praised the policy as a bold step that could help close the gap in Nigeria’s teacher shortage and boost the professionalism of the education sector.
“This is the kind of energy we need,” said one education analyst. “For too long, we’ve underplayed the importance of teacher education. This policy puts the focus back where it belongs.”
With this new direction, the government is hoping to make teaching not just a career of last resort—but one of first choice.
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