The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has unveiled a new Dual Mandate Curriculum designed to reposition Colleges of Education for improved teacher preparation and the effective implementation of degree-awarding programmes alongside the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).


The unveiling was the major highlight of the National Retreat and Workshop on the Effective Implementation of the Dual Mandate for Colleges of Education in Nigeria, held in Abuja, which brought together key stakeholders in the education sector to deliberate on strategies for ensuring the successful implementation of the policy. Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCCE, Dr Angela Ajala, described the Dual Mandate as a significant opportunity to reposition Colleges of Education, expand academic opportunities and strengthen the quality of teacher education in Nigeria.


She explained that the new curriculum was developed through extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including academics, curriculum experts, professional bodies and regulatory agencies, to ensure that it responds to the changing demands of the education sector. According to her, the curriculum incorporates critical areas such as digital competencies, inclusive education, entrepreneurship and innovative teaching approaches, aimed at producing competent, professionally equipped and technologically proficient teachers.


Dr Ajala, however, emphasised that the successful implementation of the Dual Mandate would require adequate preparation by institutions, particularly in the areas of staffing, infrastructure, teaching facilities, governance, funding and quality assurance. She urged Provosts and other institutional leaders to take ownership of the implementation process by ensuring that their respective colleges were adequately positioned to meet the required academic and institutional standards. In her remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa'id Ahmad, described the Dual Mandate as an important reform in the country's teacher education system, stressing that its success must be measured by the quality of graduates produced rather than the number of institutions introducing degree programmes.


The Minister charged Colleges of Education to maintain high academic standards and ensure that they possess the requisite qualified personnel, facilities and functional quality assurance mechanisms before commencing or expanding degree programmes. She also called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Education, NCCE, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, proper monitoring and successful implementation of the policy. The Minister subsequently unveiled the new Dual Mandate Curriculum alongside the NCCE Medium-Term Strategic Plan (2026–2031), formally setting the stage for a coordinated approach to the implementation of the reform across Colleges of Education.


Also speaking, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, reaffirmed the Board's commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the Dual Mandate. He clarified the admission arrangement under the new framework, noting that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education would not be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). He further explained that NCE graduates who meet the required academic performance criteria would have the opportunity to progress to the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme within the same institution, providing a seamless academic progression pathway for prospective teachers.

The retreat provided an opportunity for education stakeholders to examine the policy framework, address implementation challenges and establish a common understanding of the responsibilities of institutions and regulatory bodies in advancing the Dual Mandate. The unveiling of the new curriculum and the strategic plan marks an important step in NCCE's efforts to strengthen Colleges of Education, improve teacher preparation and enhance the quality of teacher education in Nigeria.