LIVE UPDATES
ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has called on stakeholders in Colleges of Education (COEs) to fully adopt the dual mandate that enables these institutions to confer both bachelor's degrees and National Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications.
He stated that this strategy will increase enrolment, improve the quality of teacher education, and eliminate the necessity of transforming Colleges of Education into universities.
Alausa made this appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during a follow-up meeting regarding resolutions from the previous Biannual Stakeholders’ Meeting.
He highlighted the necessity for reforms within Colleges of Education, stressing the importance of adapting to contemporary demands and technological progress.
The minister noted that traditional teaching methods are now inadequate and urged educators to embed technology, critical thinking, and computational skills in their curricula.
“We once had a robust educational system, and we are committed to restoring it. Everyone must contribute to this effort.
“We must address the high number of out-of-school children and decrease learning poverty nationwide. As educators, you are pivotal in driving this transformation, and you must also challenge yourselves.
“The methods of teaching we used 30 to 50 years ago are no longer applicable. Education and teaching methodologies are evolving. You must begin to consider how to utilize technology in the classroom,” he remarked.
Alausa emphasized the necessity for educators to leverage educational technology (edtech) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
In light of decreasing enrolment in Colleges of Education, he urged administrators and staff to back the ongoing reforms, cautioning that the survival of these institutions relies on their capacity to adapt.
“With this dual mandate, there’s no need for conversion to university status. You should be the ones advocating for implementation, rather than the opposite. It’s a question of your sustainability.
“The government has secured the future of Colleges of Education. It is now your responsibility to maintain them. Failure to embrace this mandate could lead to extinction.
“With this reform, there’s absolutely no reason for any College of Education to pursue university status,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to supporting the reforms and enhancing the welfare of educators.
He also announced that the dual mandate would become effective in the upcoming academic session in September and encouraged institutions to prepare accordingly.
In response, the President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Smart Olugbeko, stated that the success of the dual mandate depends on addressing various challenges and complexities.
He expressed hope that the government would work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition and improved quality in teacher education.
Rocketparrot News reports that the dual mandate, which allows Colleges of Education to award both degrees and NCE qualifications, was enacted into law in 2023. The policy had been under discussion for several years, with multiple committees recommending its implementation.
