Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, has called on stakeholders in Colleges of Education to embrace innovation and fully commit to the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy, which empowers colleges to award both bachelor’s degrees and National Certificates in Education (NCE).
Speaking during a meeting in Abuja with staff unions, the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education, and the Committee of Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education, Alausa said the policy is vital to improving teacher education, increasing enrolment, and preventing the need to convert Colleges of Education into universities.
He noted that the Nigerian education system is at a pivotal stage, citing declining enrolment as a challenge that requires bold reforms. The Minister stressed that failure to adapt could render some colleges obsolete, emphasizing the need to evolve with modern educational demands.
Drawing from his recent participation at the Human Capability Initiative in Riyadh, Alausa spoke on the global shift towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and educational technology (EdTech), acknowledging Nigeria’s lag in this area but assuring that steps are being taken to close the gap.
To support the policy’s implementation, the Ministry is collaborating with regulatory bodies such as JAMB and the NUC. Key areas including staffing, accreditation, and programme structure have been reviewed to remove administrative delays and ensure a smooth rollout.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’ad Ahmad, also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Dual Mandate Policy, describing it as a top priority aimed at enhancing teacher education and expanding access to quality higher education for Nigerian youths.
“This is not just a policy—it’s a rescue mission. The time to act is now,” she said.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, described the meeting as timely and reaffirmed that teacher education remains central to the nation's educational development.
President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Smart Olugbeko, emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of the policy.
Signed into law in 2023, the Dual Mandate empowers Colleges of Education to confer both degree and NCE qualifications. The meeting concluded with a united pledge from all stakeholders to collaborate in transforming the education sector through innovation and excellence.
ADEDEJI TOLU
