The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, has said that the about 205 federal, state, and privately owned colleges nationwide are still inadequate for the nation’s educational needs.
Abbas, who stated this at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Colleges of Education in Abuja on Monday, also said the country’s growing need for education makes the demand for more education colleges imperative.
He said, “Currently, Nigeria has about 205 federal, state, and privately owned colleges of education. At face value, this number looks substantial. However, when considered against the backdrop of Nigeria’s population of about 230 million, with over 60% under the age of 24, the demand for education makes the number of existing colleges of education in Nigeria relatively insignificant.
“Therefore, these bills seeking to establish ten (10) colleges of education should be seen as relevant, appropriate and justified. It is pertinent, therefore, that we continue to strengthen teacher education in Nigeria by expanding access to quality institutions that will train the next generation of educators”.
The Speaker said the bills under consideration reflect lawmakers collective commitment to ensuring that every region of the country has equitable access to quality teacher education.
He said, “The establishment of new Federal Colleges of Education will not only improve the training of professional teachers but also foster educational development, create employment opportunities, and stimulate socio-economic growth in the host communities.
“The House recognises the urgent need to expand access to quality teacher education, especially in underserved regions. These bills before the Committee today represent a significant step in ensuring equitable distribution of educational institutions, fostering national integration, and promoting human capital development.
„The proposed Federal Colleges of Education will not only train future teachers but also contribute to research, innovation, and the socio-economic growth of their host communities.“
For his part, the committee‘s chairman, Hon. Adamu Tanko, said establishing new federal colleges of education is critical in addressing the gaps in teacher training, strengthening the educational sector and building the skilled workforce needed to drive national development.
He said the public hearing provides an opportunity for robust engagement among key stakeholders, including policymakers, education experts, community leaders and members of the public.
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