By Habeeb Ibrahim
The Federal Government has approved a dual-certification programme for Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs), allowing them to award both the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, starting from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The announcement was initially made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, but the post has since been deleted, raising questions about its clarity and authenticity.
According to the minister, the decision followed the revised legislation signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023. The new legal framework empowers colleges of education to transition into degree-awarding institutions while retaining their traditional NCE functions.
“In preparation for the rollout this September, the Ministry has been engaging stakeholders, including staff unions and the management of FCOEs, on implementation strategies,” Alausa said.
He added that extensive collaborations are underway with the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to ensure a smooth transition.
Institutions involved are currently undergoing curriculum restructuring, staff capacity building, and administrative adjustments to meet the standards required for degree programmes.
“This integrated approach will ensure that students graduate not just as NCE holders, but also with bachelor’s degrees, credentials that will be nationally and internationally recognized,” Alausa noted.
The Minister emphasized the need to reframe societal perceptions of the teaching profession, calling for increased respect and recognition of educators as central agents in national development.
He quoted President Tinubu: “The youth are the heartbeat of our great nation.” He then added, “To ensure the heart functions well, our students must be well-educated and effectively taught.”
