Education

Federal Colleges of Education to Begin Awarding Degrees as FG Implements Dual Mandate Policy

FG Approves Degree Programmes in Federal Colleges of Education

The Federal Government has officially begun the implementation of the dual mandate policy, allowing 15 Federal Colleges of Education (FCoEs) across Nigeria to simultaneously run Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and bachelor’s degree programmes in education.

The policy, which became operational on May 2, 2025, is set to kick off admissions in the September 2025 academic session, marking a significant shift in the country’s teacher education strategy.

What Is the Dual Mandate Policy?

The Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, signed into law by President Tinubu, empowered FCoEs to award both NCE and bachelor’s degrees in education. Under this policy:

Colleges can independently award B.Ed degrees without affiliating with universities.

Degree programmes will run concurrently with the NCE courses.

Admissions will begin September 2025 for eligible students.

Who Qualifies to Offer the Degrees?

Only FCoEs that meet National Universities Commission (NUC) standards are allowed to run the degree programmes. This includes:

Adequate infrastructure

Qualified academic staff

Accreditation readiness

All 15 approved federal colleges are eligible, provided they maintain these benchmarks.

Admission Requirements & Implementation Timeline

Who can apply?
Only applicants with an NCE qualification will be considered for admission into the new degree programmes.

Affiliations with universities to end
Colleges will gradually phase out partnerships with universities and fully operate under their own accreditation.

Rollout date
First batch of students will be admitted in September 2025.

Why It Matters: Breakdown of Benefits

Greater Access to Degrees

This policy offers more NCE holders the opportunity to upgrade to bachelor’s level without transferring to universities.

Strengthened Teacher Training

Colleges can now design more modern, locally relevant curricula, integrating digital skills, AI, and vocational education.

Institutional Independence

Colleges gain more control over their programs, shedding dependence on universities and enabling faster innovation in teaching methods.

Behind the Scenes: FG and NCCE at Work

To oversee the rollout, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has inaugurated a steering committee that will:

Engage stakeholders across Nigeria

Facilitate a National Summit on Teacher Education Reform

Work with JAMB and the NUC to streamline admission and programme standards

Stakeholders React

Speaking on the development, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, called it a “game changer” for Nigeria’s teaching profession. He emphasized the policy’s potential to solve declining enrolment, improve classroom quality, and elevate the status of teacher training institutions.

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), however, has urged the government to ensure adequate funding, infrastructure, ICT resources, and training to support this major transformation.