FG Sets Strict Rules for Colleges Offering Degrees

​The Federal Government has issued a strict warning to Colleges of Education across the country, mandating that institutions must meet rigorous quality benchmarks before rolling out degree programmes under the Dual Mandate policy.

​Speaking in Abuja at the National Retreat and Workshop on the Effective Implementation of the Dual Mandate and Strategic Plan, Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad emphasized that institutional readiness will take precedence over mere expansion. Participating colleges are now required to demonstrate robust academic staffing, modern teaching infrastructure, functional quality assurance systems, and sound governance frameworks.

​The Dual Mandate policy permits eligible Colleges of Education to preserve their foundational Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes while concurrently awarding approved bachelor’s degrees in education. To guide this transition, the government unveiled a comprehensive new curriculum establishing minimum academic standards, incorporating digital competencies, inclusive education, and practical pedagogical skills.

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​Complementing these guidelines, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) also introduced its Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026–2031. NCCE Executive Secretary Dr. Angela Ajala noted that the roadmap aims to shift teacher education from mere policy formulation to measurable institutional accountability and sustainable funding.

​Authorities have called for close synergy among the Federal Ministry of Education, the NCCE, and the National Universities Commission to prevent regulatory duplication and ensure the highest standards of professional readiness for future educators.