By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has urged the Federal Government to provide adequate funding, infrastructure and academic facilities for colleges of education to effectively implement its dual mandate policy.
The President of COEASU, Dr Lawan Ahmed, gave the advice on Wednesday during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration organised by the union in Abuja.
The theme of the event was “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future.”
Ahmed said the policy, which allowed eligible colleges of education to award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and approved degrees, required adequate facilities, clear academic guidelines and effective collaboration among relevant institutions and agencies.
He said the success of the policy depended on its effective implementation and the capacity of colleges to meet the demands of degree programmes.
“This celebration comes at an important stage in the development of our colleges of education.
“We are now with the dual-mandate, which provides opportunity to strengthen our institutions, contribute to teacher professionalisation through both NCE and degree programme.
“Its success will depend on careful implementation, clear academic guidance, adequate staff room, social facilities, and effective provision among institutions and agencies.
“We must give our students clear pathway for progression and equip our lecturers to meet the responsibilities of this brand new mandate,” he said.
He said investing in teacher education would improve the quality of teaching and learning and benefit communities across the country.
He reaffirmed COEASU’s commitment to working with the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and other relevant agencies to ensure that the reforms translated into improved teaching and learning.
He also commended stakeholders who contributed to the introduction of the dual mandate, describing it as an important development in the advancement of teacher education.
The Executive Secretary of NCCE, Dr Angela Ajala, said the dual mandate would enable eligible colleges to offer NCE and approved degree programmes without affiliation to other institutions.
Ajala, represented by the commission’s Director of Academic Programmes, Dr Umar Kwami, said the reform was intended to expand access to quality teacher education and strengthen the professional preparation of educators.
She, however, stressed that the success of the policy depended on lecturers properly delivering the degree components in the classroom.
“You cannot ask an institution to deliver degree programmes and leave it with sub-degree facilities,” she said.
Ajala said the commission would continue to advocate adequate resources for the implementation of the policy and maintain dialogue with COEASU on challenges affecting colleges of education.
The NCCE executive secretary commended COEASU for awarding scholarships to outstanding NCE students across the six geopolitical zones, describing the initiative as an investment in the future of the teaching profession.
She urged the beneficiaries to uphold professional ethics, embrace innovation and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening teacher education, improving professional standards and equipping teachers with skills to meet changing educational demands.
Ahmad, represented by the NCCE executive secretary, said teachers needed continuous training to respond effectively to emerging developments in digital technology, artificial intelligence and inclusive education.
“Every profession begins with a teacher. Every innovation that transforms society is nurtured through education.Every responsible citizen passes through the hands of a teacher.
“The Federal Government recognises this responsibility and remains committed to strengthening the teacher profession as a critical pillar of national development.
(NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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