Proprietor of APA College of Education, Aidogodo-Okpoga in Benue State, Dr. Ralph Otobo Odoh, has called on the federal government to support to private initiatives in the development of teacher education in Nigeria.
He said private colleges help to bridge critical gaps in access to teacher training, especially in underserved areas, and deserve more recognition through supportive policies and inclusion in broader educational planning.
Odoh made the assertions in an interview during the accreditation of APA College of Education’s academic programmes, by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
The commission is the statutory body responsible for regulating teacher preparation institutions in Nigeria. he said, “Education is light, and there’s no way to pass this light to the people without teacher education. If we are going to take people out of darkness, it must be through quality teaching, and that is exactly what teacher education is all about.”
He emphasised that quality teacher training is vital for producing well-rounded learners who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by private institutions, Odoh pointed out that government support has remained limited. “There are constraints, but most importantly, the government has not been supportive of private initiative as far as education is concerned.”
He stressed that teacher education must be treated as a national priority. “Without a solid foundation in teacher education, the nation cannot truly progress or prosper,” he added. According to him, the rise in banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes is rooted in the failure to prioritise education.
Dr Odoh also commended the executive secretary of NCCE, Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, for his visible passion and commitment to the growth of teacher education in the country. “I see his passion to develop the sector, and I want to encourage him to stay focused and dedicated. History will not forget his efforts,” he added.
