Federal Colleges of Education to Begin Awarding BSc Degrees Alongside NCE Certificates
By IDNN Reporter
Published April 25, 2025
The Federal Government has approved a landmark reform allowing Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) across Nigeria to award both Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in Education and the traditional National Certificate in Education (NCE).
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the development on Thursday during a strategic engagement session with staff unions and management teams of the FCOEs.
Tinubu Approves Amendment to Colleges of Education Act
Alausa disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved amendments to the Colleges of Education Act, enabling the dual awarding of degrees and certificates. The revised Act, ratified in 2023, forms part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of teacher training and raise education standards nationwide.
“The youth are the heartbeat of our great nation. For the heart to function at its highest capacity, our students must be well educated and effectively taught,” Alausa quoted President Tinubu as saying.
The Minister stressed the urgent need to modernize teaching approaches to align with international standards, stating that outdated methods could no longer meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving society.
Teaching Must Regain Its Prestige, Alausa Says
Emphasizing the crucial role of educators, Alausa called for a renewed respect for the teaching profession.
“Teaching is a valuable profession. Without teachers and educators, societies would not be what they are today. They are integral to nation-building and the transformation of this great country,” he said.
He also urged for mutual respect among teachers, students, parents, and academic institutions, highlighting that repositioning the teaching profession is vital for national development.
Policy Implementation Set for September 2025
The Minister assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Education is fully committed to the smooth rollout of the new Dual Mandate policy by September 2025.
He revealed that the Ministry is actively collaborating with critical agencies, including:
-
The National Universities Commission (NUC)
-
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE)
-
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
These bodies are expected to coordinate efforts to ensure seamless integration of the BSc program into the colleges’ academic offerings.
Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to work closely with all relevant education sector stakeholders to guarantee the successful implementation of the policy and deliver on the broader goal of educational transformation in Nigeria.
Excerpt:
“Teaching must regain its prestige. Without teachers, nation-building would be impossible,” Minister Tunji Alausa declared during the policy announcement.
