The Nigerian Federal Government has officially begun implementing the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) following the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, this law, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allows FCOEs to simultaneously award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, representing a significant advancement in teacher education reform in Nigeria.
Announcing the policy’s commencement in Abuja, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa described it as a “bold and progressive step.”
He stated that the Dual Mandate Policy is a “revolution in teacher preparation” that empowers FCOEs to offer both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees, thereby broadening access and improving teaching quality nationwide.
Read Also: FG To Start Paying 5 Months Wage Award Arrears
The Act stipulates that all FCOEs meeting the National Universities Commission standards are now eligible for the Dual Mandate.
This inclusive approach ensures that all institutions can participate once they meet the necessary requirements, regardless of when they were established.
The Minister emphasized that offering degree programs within FCOEs will equip educators with enhanced skills to meet the changing demands of the education sector.
It also provides an alternative pathway to obtaining Education degrees outside of traditional universities, thus increasing access to higher education.
The Dual Mandate aims to address several challenges, including declining student enrollment in FCOEs, ensuring the continued relevance of these institutions, and eliminating the need for university affiliations for degree issuance.
Furthermore, the policy grants FCOEs greater autonomy in developing and implementing their curricula, allowing them to adapt more quickly to new trends and needs in the teaching profession.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to improving education, the Minister affirmed that the quality of a nation’s teachers is paramount.
He believes this policy will strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s education system by ensuring that every teacher is well-trained and qualified.
The inclusion of eligible FCOEs in the Dual Mandate Programme is considered a crucial step towards advancing Nigeria’s educational development.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
