BREAKING: FG Greenlights BSc Award In Colleges Of Education — Revolution In Nigeria’s Higher Education!

This landmark development was revealed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on Thursday during a strategic engagement with the staff unions and management of the Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs).

Minister Alausa shared that the new policy comes after President Bola Tinubu approved an amendment to the Colleges of Education Act to allow for the awarding of both the NCE and BSc degrees.

“As part of our commitment to improving teacher training and advancing education in Nigeria, we are moving ahead with the revised Act for our FCOEs. This Act, approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2023, now allows the colleges to award both the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education,” he said.

He continued by quoting the President: “As Mr. President says, ‘The youth are the heartbeat of our great nation.’ Just as the heart is essential for the body’s function, our students must be well-educated and effectively taught to ensure the nation’s success.”

Minister Alausa further emphasized the need for the education system to evolve, stating that outdated methods are no longer suitable for the modern world. He stressed that to achieve success, education must meet international standards.

Acknowledging the critical role of teachers, Alausa highlighted the importance of elevating the teaching profession, noting that without teachers, nation-building would be impossible.

“The perception of the teaching profession must change. There must be respect for teachers, students, academics, and parents. Teaching is a vital profession, and without educators, societies would not thrive. Teachers are key to the development and transformation of our nation,” he stated.

The Minister assured that his Ministry will work closely with other stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of the new policy. “We are dedicated to ensuring that the Dual Mandate is in place by the start of the academic year in September 2025. We are collaborating with the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to ensure that every institution plays its part in the successful rollout of the Dual Mandate,” he concluded.