Abuja, Nigeria – May 2, 2025 | InsightLinks

In a transformative move poised to reshape Nigeria’s education sector, the Federal Government has officially commenced the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy, empowering Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) to award Bachelor’s Degrees in Education alongside the traditional Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). This announcement follows the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The groundbreaking policy rollout was announced in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who described the initiative as a “bold and progressive step” in advancing teacher education, equity in access, and institutional autonomy.

A New Era for Teacher Training in Nigeria

According to Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, the legislation redefines the mandate of all Federal Colleges of Education, enabling them to function as degree-awarding institutions. Under this Dual Mandate, FCOEs can now run Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programs independently, provided they meet the standards of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“This policy represents not just a reform, but a revolution in teacher preparation,” said Dr. Alausa. “It broadens access, empowers institutions, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria.”

Until now, Colleges of Education were required to affiliate with universities to offer degree programs. This often resulted in bureaucratic delays, inconsistent quality, and limited access to higher qualifications for many aspiring teachers. The Dual Mandate policy addresses these challenges head-on.

Key Benefits of the Dual Mandate Policy

The Dual Mandate Policy is strategically designed to solve longstanding systemic issues within Nigeria’s teacher education framework. Key highlights include:

• Autonomy for FCOEs in designing and delivering degree curricula.
• Elimination of university affiliation constraints, reducing operational dependency.
• Enhanced quality of instruction, with better-trained teachers entering classrooms.
• Broader access to tertiary education, particularly for students in underserved and rural regions.
• Increased enrollment as FCOEs become more attractive to prospective students seeking degrees.

The Minister emphasized that the policy would not only elevate academic standards in the teaching profession but would also ensure Nigeria produces educators capable of responding to global trends and 21st-century learning demands.

“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers,” Alausa remarked. “By equipping our educators with globally competitive skills, we are investing in the foundation of our nation’s future.”

Eligibility Criteria and Quality Assurance

According to the Act, only FCOEs that meet NUC’s minimum standards will be allowed to offer Bachelor’s degrees. This provision ensures that quality is not sacrificed in the rush for expansion. Institutions will undergo periodic accreditation and curriculum evaluation to maintain standards.

The NUC has pledged to support FCOEs in transitioning to this new academic structure, including staff training, curriculum upgrades, and infrastructural development.

Impact on the Future of Education in Nigeria

Experts in the education sector have praised the move, calling it timely and visionary. Dr. Esther Igwe, a lecturer in Educational Policy at the University of Ibadan, said the reform will “strengthen the teaching pipeline” and “boost the image of teacher education” in Nigeria.

“This is long overdue. For years, Nigeria has struggled to meet the demand for qualified teachers. Now we have a chance to professionalize teaching at scale,” she stated.

Conclusion

With this shift, Federal Colleges of Education are no longer just teacher training institutions — they are evolving into full-fledged degree-awarding bodies, playing a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s human capital development.

As the policy takes root, stakeholders hope it will foster a new generation of well-qualified, innovative, and passionate educators — the kind Nigeria urgently needs to transform its basic and secondary education sectors.

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Federal Colleges of Education to Award Bachelor’s Degrees Under New Dual Mandate Policy

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