The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, has called for a bold transformation of Nigeria’s educational institutions, hinging on effective administration and proactive conflict resolution. He made this charge while delivering the keynote address at the Human Capital Development Conference organized by the Federal University of Education, Kontagora (FUEK) on 23rd June 2023 at the NCCE Conference Hall, Abuja. The conference, powered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), brought together SSUCOEN delegates and selected stakeholders, including provosts, registrars, and bursars from various Colleges of Education. It focused on the theme, “Transforming Educational Institutions Through Effective Administration and Conflict Resolution.”
In his address, Professor Okwelle described administrative efficiency and institutional harmony as the twin engines needed to drive sustainable reform in the teacher education sector. “To meet the sector’s challenges—ranging from inadequate funding to outdated infrastructure and shifting societal expectations—we must strengthen administrative structures while embedding a culture of conflict-sensitive leadership,” he said. The Executive Secretary emphasized that transformational leadership must be visionary, innovative, and anchored in accountability and inclusion. According to him, “Effective administration involves not just managing resources, but shaping cultures, setting goals, and leading institutions with integrity in a transparent environment.”

Highlighting the role of conflict management in institutional growth, Okwelle noted that while conflict is inevitable in any organizational setting, it can become a tool for institutional reform if addressed constructively. “Conflict, if poorly handled, undermines institutional integrity. But when resolved through dialogue, mediation, and negotiation, it strengthens the fabric of an institution,” he stressed. Professor Okwelle underscored the importance of building inclusive school cultures that prioritize communication, emotional intelligence, and professional development. He advocated for the use of technology and data analytics to guide policy and improve operational efficiency in Nigeria’s teacher education system. “We must leverage ICT tools and data-driven planning for administrative excellence. At NCCE, we encourage colleges to integrate modern governance frameworks and adopt robust monitoring and evaluation systems,” he added.
Reaffirming NCCE’s commitment to institutional reform, Professor Okwelle acknowledged the vital role of SSUCOEN in fostering industrial harmony. He urged the union to continue engaging in solution-oriented advocacy, stating that “the union’s credibility lies in its ability to blend constructive advocacy with institutional cooperation.” According to him, the conference is expected to generate practical recommendations on leadership, conflict resolution, and capacity development, as well as initiate new pathways for institutional transformation across Nigeria’s colleges of education.

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Francis Adedayo Faduyile, OON, emphasized that the transformation of Nigeria’s educational institutions rests on effective administration and deliberate conflict resolution. He stressed that human capital remains the foundation of any thriving academic system, and that leadership development, transparent communication, strategic resource allocation, and ongoing professional training are indispensable for progress. He also pointed out that while conflict is inevitable in any organization, its management determines the stability and productivity of institutions. Professor Faduyile called for a culture of mediation, negotiation, and supportive environments that prioritize staff well-being and inclusivity. He urged stakeholders to remain committed to fostering professionalism, unity, and purposeful collaboration in repositioning the colleges of education for national development.
The Chief Host, Professor Faruk Rashid Haruna, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, welcomed participants to the Human Capital Development Conference, describing it as a timely platform to address key challenges in the education sector. He praised TETFund for its commitment to human capacity development, which made the gathering possible. Highlighting the importance of effective administration and peaceful conflict resolution, Professor Haruna urged stakeholders to use the opportunity to share ideas, build partnerships, and drive meaningful reforms. He encouraged active participation throughout the conference to help reposition colleges of education for greater impact. The highlight of the opening ceremony was a group photograph of participants, followed by a technical session that marked the formal commencement of the conference engagements.