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In a major development for teacher education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced the official implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs).
The move follows the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, which grants these institutions the authority to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education.
The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who described the policy rollout as a transformative step in enhancing teacher preparation and professional development in the country.
According to a statement from the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the new law—signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—positions FCOEs as dual-purpose institutions capable of providing broader access to higher education and improving the quality of teaching nationwide.
“The Dual Mandate Policy is not just a reform—it’s a revolution in teacher education,” Dr. Alausa said.
“By allowing Federal Colleges of Education to award both NCEs and bachelor’s degrees, we are expanding opportunities and improving classroom instruction across Nigeria.”
Under the new Act, any Federal College of Education that meets the criteria set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is now eligible to participate in the Dual Mandate Programme.
This includes both newly established and long-standing institutions.
The Minister emphasized that this policy will help address key challenges in the sector—such as declining enrolment, outdated academic models, and reliance on universities for degree accreditation.
He also noted that FCOEs will now have greater autonomy in designing and implementing their curricula, allowing them to adapt more efficiently to modern educational needs.
“This initiative strengthens our education system from the ground up,” Alausa added.
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. With this policy, we’re ensuring every Nigerian teacher is well-trained, qualified, and prepared to meet today’s demands.”
The Dual Mandate Policy is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing Nigeria’s teacher education framework and ensuring more equitable access to quality training for aspiring educators.