The Federal Government has officially commenced the implementation of a landmark reform allowing Federal Colleges of Education (FCEs) across Nigeria to independently offer both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s degrees in Education. This policy shift, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session, is a significant move towards enhancing the quality and accessibility of teacher education in the country.
The reform is grounded in the Federal Colleges of Education Act No. 43 of 2023, which grants these institutions the legislative authority to confer degrees without the need for affiliation with universities. Previously, FCEs were limited to awarding only NCEs and had to collaborate with universities to offer degree programmes.
At the National Summit held in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the initiative as “a historic milestone in Nigeria’s educational development.” She emphasized that this dual-mandate system empowers FCEs to expand their academic offerings while maintaining their core mission of producing highly skilled and professional teachers.
Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), lauded the reform as “historic,” noting that it would revitalize teacher education and expand access for student-teachers. He highlighted that the dual mandate allows FCEs to leverage their own manpower, infrastructure, and academic expertise to offer both NCE and B.Ed qualifications.
The implementation of this policy is already underway, with preparations in full swing across the 15 approved Federal Colleges of Education. The National Universities Commission (NUC) is working closely with these institutions to ensure compliance with academic standards and a smooth transition to the new system.
This development marks a transformative step in Nigeria’s education sector, aiming to produce a steady supply of qualified teachers and retain skilled educators within the system. It also provides an alternative pathway for students to earn education degrees, thereby reducing the pressure on traditional universities and enhancing the overall quality of teacher training in the country.