First Female Executive Secretary Ushers New Era At NCCE

The first female executive secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Dr Angela Ajala, has assumed office, promising a new era of education leadership.

Ajala assumed office in Abuja yesterday following her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the first female executive secretary of the commission since its establishment.

In her inaugural address, Dr Ajala expressed gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. “I receive this responsibility today with deep humility and a profound sense of duty.”

She appreciated the confidence reposed in her by the President and the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Marouf Alawusa, while acknowledging the contributions of stakeholders whose efforts have shaped the Commission.

Emphasising staff welfare and institutional growth as key priorities, the new Executive Secretary underscored the importance of collaboration and a shared vision.

She also noted that the future of teacher education must be collectively driven. “The future of teacher education in Nigeria must be a shared mission.

Our work sits at the heart of national development.”

Dr Ajala further emphasised the critical role of teachers, describing them as the quiet architects of the nation’s future, and affirmed that Nigeria deserves the best teachers and that our teachers deserve the best preparation.

She assured staff of her commitment to improving their welfare and creating an enabling work environment that would enhance productivity and service delivery across the Commission.

She also called for staff and stakeholder support to achieve her mandate, appealing for unity and cooperation. “I ask for your partnership, your counsel, your prayers,” Dr Ajala said.

In his remarks, the outgoing Executive Secretary, Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, formally welcomed Dr Ajala and handed over all necessary documents to ensure a smooth transition.

He encouraged her to build on existing achievements and pledged his readiness to support the progress of her tenure, expressing confidence in her leadership and wishing her a successful stay in office.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Director of Colleges at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Uchenna Uba, congratulated Dr Ajala on her historic appointment as the first female Executive Secretary of NCCE.

She commended the Federal Government for the landmark decision and expressed optimism that the new leadership would bring renewed direction, inclusiveness, and strengthened institutional performance.