Nigerian Colleges of Education are now set to commence awarding bachelor’s degrees alongside the traditional Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) starting from the September/October 2025 academic session.
This development was announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during a media briefing in Abuja.
Alausa explained that the move to allow Nigerian Colleges of Education to begin issuance of bachelor’s degrees is part of the effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revamp the education sector.
He added that the initiative will enhance access to quality education, boost enrollment, and ensure the survival of these institutions.
The introduction of the “dual mandate” allows the 18 federal COEs to run degree and NCE programs concurrently.
Recall that in 2023 the dual mandate into law by Tinubu.
Giving updates, the Education Minister said implementation was rescheduled to September 2025 to ensure all necessary frameworks are in place.
He added that the policy is a “game-changer” that will revolutionize teacher training in Nigeria.
Speaking further, the Minister said the dual mandate will address the declining enrollment in Nigerian Colleges of Education.
He stated that by offering degree programs, these institutions can attract more students seeking advanced qualifications.
Also, he emphasized that the policy eliminates the need to convert colleges of education into universities, preserving their core mission of producing professional teachers while expanding their academic scope.
He asserted: “We once had a strong educational system, and that’s what we are working hard to restore. All hands are on deck to achieve this.
“We must tackle the high number of out-of-school children and reduce learning poverty across the country. As teachers, you are at the centre of driving this change, and you must also challenge yourselves.
“The way we taught 30 or 50 years ago is no longer relevant. Education and teaching methods are evolving. You must start thinking about how to use technology in the classroom.
“With this dual mandate, there is no need for conversion to university status. You should be the ones pushing for implementation, not the other way around. It’s a matter of your survival.
“The government has secured the future of colleges of education. It is now up to you to sustain them. Failure to embrace this mandate could lead to extinction.
“With this reform, there’s no justification for any college of education to seek university status.”
