RismadarVoice Reporters
September 17, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun consultations with provosts and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s North-East to address challenges that could affect the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy for Colleges of Education.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Dr Angela Ajala, disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholder engagement in Gombe, saying the consultations are intended to identify the peculiar issues facing institutions and develop practical solutions ahead of the full rollout of the policy.
Ajala said the initiative is designed to strengthen teacher education by ensuring graduates acquire professional qualifications alongside practical skills that can support national development. She explained that under the new arrangement, students in Colleges of Education will have opportunities to obtain the National Certificate in Education (NCE), a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree, and a skills certificate.
She said the commission would determine which challenges institutions can address internally, what NCCE can handle, and what requires government intervention, adding that issues needing support would be presented to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, while development partners would also be approached where necessary.
Ajala noted that the skills component of the policy is meant to promote self-reliance by enabling graduates to develop solutions to challenges within their communities.
Speaking on the theme “Dual Mandate of Colleges of Education: Challenges, Opportunities and Expectations,” Dr Ali Adamu, a former provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, said major hurdles include inadequate funding, shortage of qualified personnel, and infrastructure deficits. He said the policy, however, holds prospects for improving career progression, revitalising Colleges of Education, strengthening teacher quality, and advancing human capital development.
He urged increased funding, better infrastructure, and continuous staff development to ensure the success of the initiative.
Also, Dr Mohammed Abdulhamid, Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, commended the Federal Government and the NCCE for efforts aimed at repositioning teacher education in the country.