Victoria Mgbanwa
In a transformative step for Nigeria’s education sector, the Federal Government has launched a groundbreaking dual-certification programme that allows 15 Federal Colleges of Education to concurrently award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, starting from the 2025–2026 academic session.
This landmark shift enabled by the amended Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023 and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu is poised to modernize teacher education, improve quality, and address declining enrollment in teacher training institutions.
Speaking during a one-day sensitisation workshop on ministerial priorities and the education sector roadmap, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan represented by Director of Educational Planning, Julie Uzor, emphasized the strategic intent behind the policy.
“This dual-certification model allows students to graduate with both the NCE and a Bachelor’s degree, thereby increasing access to higher education, strengthening teacher quality, and aligning with global standards in educator training,” Enitan noted.
He added that the Federal Government is also expanding access by approving the establishment of more colleges of education across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, confirmed that implementation is well underway, with Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) already advertising the dual-mode admissions for the 2025–2026 session.
To support the academic transition, colleges are currently working closely with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to meet accreditation requirements and ensure a seamless rollout.
Dr. Uche Uba, Director of Colleges of Education at the Ministry, described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to building a competent education workforce.
“There’s a comprehensive implementation guide in place. The collaboration with NUC ensures that the bachelor’s degree offerings meet university-level quality,” she affirmed.
Meanwhile, a review of the NCE Minimum Standards is also in progress to reflect the current realities of 21st-century education and ensure programme relevance.
