By Edith Tsokar
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) says its reform in teacher training is designed to produce digitally competent, highly skilled and globally competitive educators.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Angela Ajala, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, while reeling out her achievements after 100 days in office.
Ajala identified the reform as the ongoing dual-mandate programme that empowers selected colleges of education to award Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree certificates.
She explained that the move would also reposition Nigeria’s teacher education to align with the digital transformation of the 21st century.
According to her, the reform represented a major shift in teacher preparation in the country.
”The initiative will also ensure that graduates acquire practical skills that could serve as alternative sources of livelihood.
”We are producing teachers who are digitally enabled, competent and capable of meeting the needs of diverse learners in the 21st century.
”Every teacher will also acquire a skill, making entry into colleges of education a win-win opportunity.”
She said that the commission was working closely with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to review and strengthen curricula for the degree component of the programme.
She added that plans were underway to digitise the curriculum to support self-paced learning through video-based modules, assessments and competency-based training.
The executive secretary said the commission was also aligning its programmes with the National Digital Education Framework to ensure that future teachers possess relevant digital competencies.
She noted that the reforms would improve access to teacher education by removing admission barriers and promoting inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities.
”Teacher education requires special attention because of its critical role in shaping future generations.
”The commission is, therefore, pursuing partnerships with development agencies, donor organisations and other stakeholders to support implementation of the reforms amid funding constraints,” she said.
Ajala explained that the dual-mandate programme would be implemented in phases, with federal colleges already taking the lead, while state and private colleges would join after completing necessary legislative and regulatory processes.
Also, Director of ICT, Dr Pius Ekwarigho, said the NCCE had intensified efforts to promote blended learning through the deployment of learning management systems across colleges.
Ekwarigho disclosed that more than 50 members of staff of the commission had already been trained to support implementation of digital learning initiatives.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Committee of Provosts, Dr Sani Mohammed, described the reform as a landmark development in teacher education.
Mohammed said the initiative would drive professionalisation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship education in colleges of education nationwide.
He added that work was ongoing to develop a modern curriculum that would emphasise practical skills, technology-driven teaching methods and employability.
On her part, Mrs Grace Jerry, Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), called for the entrenchment of inclusion in teacher education.
According to her, the success of Nigeria’s education system depends largely on the preparedness and inclusiveness of its teachers.
Jerry noted that teachers play a critical role in shaping learners’ confidence, aspirations and sense of belonging, stressing that properly trained educators could transform classrooms into environments where every learner thrives.
She said inclusive teaching approaches would enable teachers to respond effectively to diverse learning needs while promoting empathy, collaboration and respect for diversity among learners.
”The benefits of inclusion extend beyond persons with disabilities to helping schools become more responsive, strengthening parental confidence and fostering more cohesive communities. (NAN)
Edited by Philip Yatai