The Social Advancement Forum (SAF), has commended the Federal Government’s decision to approve Bachelor’s Degree programmes in 15 Federal Colleges of Education across Nigeria.

‎The commendation follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent assent to a bill empowering these institutions to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degrees.

‎In a statement signed by the group’s chairman, Tahir Ibrahim Tahir on Thursday, SAF described the development as a positive step for education in the country.

‎”We see the dualw certification model as a good move aimed at revitalising teacher education in the country as well as addressing dwindling enrollment.”

‎”By allowing Colleges of Education to award NCE and B.Ed, the country has taken a major step towards improving teacher training and access to quality education.”

‎”We also acknowledged efforts being put in place to review NCE’s minimum standards to maintain quality and to ensure that education requirements are met,” he said.

‎Tahir, however, emphasized the importance of effective supervision and implementation to achieve the intended impact of the policy.

‎”We are hopeful for a proper supervision of the implementation process.”

‎”But we also urge students to take note of these developments and not allow the President’s efforts at empowering youths to go down the drain,” he said.

‎SAF also commended other recent reforms in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.

‎The group said these initiatives would help empower Nigerian youths by focusing on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship through structured learning and training.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza