Abuja, Nigeria
The federal government says federal colleges of education will now begin to award bachelor’s degrees.
This followed the official commencement of the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education as provided for by the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
In a statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, said the legislation empowers the colleges to concurrently award the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s teacher education reform.
In 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the legislation into law.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who announced the policy rollout in Abuja, said the implementation of the policy is a bold and progressive step.
“The Dual Mandate Policy represents not just a reform but a revolution in teacher preparation — enabling FCOEs to offer both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees. This initiative empowers institutions, broadens access, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria.”
Here is a rewritten version of your passage for clarity and flow:
Under the provisions of the Act, all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) that meet the standards set by the National Universities Commission are now authorised to operate under the Dual Mandate.
This inclusive approach allows institutions, regardless of when they were established, to offer degree programs, provided they fulfil the necessary criteria.
The Minister highlighted the significance of this policy, stating that enabling FCOEs to award degrees enhances the professional capabilities of educators and helps meet the evolving demands of the education sector.
It also broadens access to higher education by offering an alternative pathway to earn Education degrees outside the conventional university framework.
The Dual Mandate tackles several issues at once: it helps counter declining enrollment, maintains institutional relevance, and eliminates the dependency on universities for degree accreditation.
Additionally, the policy empowers FCOEs with greater autonomy in designing and delivering curricula, allowing them to respond more effectively to changing trends and emerging needs in the teaching profession.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalising education, the Minister stated: “No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. This policy strengthens the foundation of our education system—ensuring that every teacher is trained, qualified, and prepared.”
The integration of qualified FCOEs into the Dual Mandate Programme represents a significant milestone in the advancement of Nigeria’s educational system.
