National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has inaugurated a committee to oversee the implementation of the concurrent Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Degree programmes in Nigerian colleges of education.
The ceremony, held in Abuja, was presided over by the director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mr. Pius Ekireghwo, on behalf of the executive secretary, Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle.
In his address, Okwelle described the event as “an important occasion” signifying a critical step towards revitalising teacher education in Nigeria. “Your presence here is not only an expression of commitment but also a testament to our shared vision,” he noted.
He said the commission had received a growing number of enquiries from stakeholders concerning the dual mandate policy, which permits accredited colleges of education to run NCE and degree programmes concurrently. “These enquiries highlight the interest in and urgency of operationalising this vital policy.”
Okwelle affirmed that the policy aligned with the new legislation guiding Federal Colleges of Education. He described it as “a strategic opportunity to expand access, improve the quality of teacher preparation and respond to the evolving needs of Nigeria’s education system.”
To ensure effective implementation, the NCCE has constituted a committee tasked with developing a stakeholder engagement framework, organising a national summit and proposing strategies for public sensitisation.
“The summit will provide a platform to explore every dimension of the Dual-Mode Policy, legal, academic, administrative, and structural, ensuring all stakeholders are carried along and the policy is adopted with a broad understanding and ownership,” he explained.
The committee, comprising “distinguished professionals and union leaders,” includes Dr. Ali Adamu, as representative of the Committee of Provosts (chairman); Mr. L.B. Aremu, representative of NCCE (member); Comrade Nuhu Ogirima, representative of COEASU (member); Comrade Danladi Msheiliza, representative of SSUCOEN (member) and Mr. Wilberforce Atsira (member/secretary).
Prof. Okwelle assured the committee of the commission’s support and urged them to approach their assignment with focus, dedication and a collaborative spirit. “Work with the awareness that this policy will significantly impact the future of teacher education in Nigeria,” he said.
In his response, the committee chairman, Dr. Ali Adamu, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him. “I am deeply grateful to the executive secretary for his commitment to the Dual Mandate Policy and for the opportunity to lead this committee. I assure you of our unwavering dedication to the task ahead.”
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