The Federal Government has charged provosts of Colleges of Education across the country to ensure effective implementation of the dual mandate of awarding the [Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)](https://ncce.gov.ng/NCCE- Digitization/minstandard/newculpdf/general_edu.pdf) and bachelor's degrees to reposition teacher education and strengthen the quality of teaching in Nigeria. Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, delivered the directive during the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) Teacher Education Leadership and Impact Award Dinner held in Abuja.
Alausa, represented by the Director of Colleges in the ministry, Dr Uchenna Uba, stated that the successful execution of the dual mandate demands strategic leadership, institutional accountability, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration. He characterised the policy as a vital opportunity to elevate Colleges of Education, enhance teacher preparation, and broaden pathways for academic and professional advancement. The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to collaborating with the NCCE, provosts, and other stakeholders to enhance the quality, relevance, and global competitiveness of teacher training nationwide.
What did the NCCE Executive Secretary say about teacher preparation?
Organised in partnership with Gosima Group, the event was themed "Champions of Education: An Evening of Celebration of Leadership and Impact." It formed part of the activities marking the NCCE's national retreat and workshop focused on the effective implementation of the dual mandate and strategic plan for Colleges of Education.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NCCE, Dr Angela Ajala, urged provosts to prioritise academic excellence, innovation, accountability, and effective institutional leadership. Ajala noted that the quality of Nigeria's education system relies heavily on the competence of its teachers and the institutions responsible for their professional training. She described provosts as critical stakeholders in national development, emphasising that their duties extend beyond routine administration to encompass institutional growth, human capacity building, and preparing future generations.
According to her, the dual mandate grants Colleges of Education opportunities to strengthen teacher preparation, expand academic avenues, promote research, and embrace digital innovation. However, she stressed that attaining these targets requires courageous leadership, effective management, financial sustainability, and a willingness to challenge conventional practices. The NCCE head encouraged provosts to make their institutions attractive to students, earn parental confidence, command employer respect, and become valued partners in national development.
How did stakeholders view teacher education and private-sector support?
In his remarks, former Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who chaired the occasion, called for improved infrastructure, adequate funding, and better working conditions to strengthen the teaching profession. Anyim described teacher education as a matter of national importance, warning that neglecting the institutions tasked with preparing teachers could undermine the country's long-term development.
He noted that educational policies can only achieve their objectives when effectively implemented in classrooms by competent and adequately supported teachers. Similarly, the President and Group Managing Director of Gosima Group, Dr Gideon Chidiebere Osi, advocated for greater private-sector investment in education, noting that sustainable business growth is closely linked to educational quality. Osi stated that the partnership between his organisation and the NCCE would include expanding scholarship opportunities for deserving students in Colleges of Education through the Gideon and Joy Life and Leadership Foundation, the group's charitable arm.
Who received the NCCE impact awards?
Meanwhile, the NCCE honoured outstanding education stakeholders for their contributions to teacher training and community development. The NCCE leadership stated that the awards were designed to recognise purposeful leadership, institutional progress, and a commitment to excellence in teacher education.
Among the recipients was Mrs Rachael Folake Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oyo State, who received the Excellence in Humanitarian and Community Service Award. Alamu's widely publicised abduction and months in captivity had previously drawn national attention to the security challenges confronting teachers, particularly those serving in rural communities. The commission also honoured two former provosts of Colleges of Education for their contributions to the sector: Dr Ali Adamu, former Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, received an award for infrastructure development, while Dr Rafiu Adekola Soyele, former Provost of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, was recognised for governance and public service.