The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally approved the commencement of Bachelor’s degree programmes in all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs), following the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy backed by the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
Signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the new policy empowers FCOEs to concurrently award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, representing a major leap forward in teacher education reform.
According to Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, the reform aims to enhance access to higher education, elevate teaching standards, and give institutions more autonomy in training the nation’s educators.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa described the initiative as a “revolutionary step” that redefines the future of teacher training in Nigeria.
“This is not just a reform; it is a complete transformation of how we prepare our teachers,” he said. “It ensures that every educator is better equipped to meet today’s classroom challenges.”
The new law permits qualified FCOEs that meet National Universities Commission (NUC) requirements to operate as dual-mandate institutions—offering degree programmes without the need for university affiliations.
The policy also:
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Addresses falling enrolment rates,
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Enhances institutional relevance,
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Reduces dependence on universities for degree certification, and
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Grants colleges the autonomy to design responsive, up-to-date curricula.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Alausa noted:
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. With this step, we are building a stronger foundation for the future of Nigerian education.”
The Dual Mandate Programme is expected to drive innovation, increase teacher supply, and expand learning opportunities across the country.
