The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially begun implementing the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs), following the passage of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This transformative policy empowers FCOEs to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education concurrently, marking a landmark reform in Nigeria’s teacher education system.
Unveiling the policy in Abuja, the Minister of Education described the initiative as a bold and forward-thinking move to revolutionize teacher preparation nationwide. The Dual Mandate aims to strengthen institutions, increase access to higher education, and raise the standard of teaching across the country.
Under the new Act, any FCOE that meets the National Universities Commission (NUC) requirements is eligible to operate under this policy—regardless of when it was established.
The Minister emphasized that the policy not only enhances the quality and competence of future educators but also expands access to degree programs outside the traditional university framework. It eliminates dependency on university affiliations for degree awards and boosts institutional relevance amid declining enrolment rates.
The policy also provides FCOEs with greater autonomy in curriculum design and delivery, allowing them to adapt more rapidly to educational trends and national needs.
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers,” the Minister stated. “This policy reinforces the foundation of our educational system by ensuring that every teacher is thoroughly trained, certified, and future-ready.”
The inclusion of eligible FCOEs in the Dual Mandate Programme represents a critical stride toward enhancing Nigeria’s education sector and meeting the demand for highly qualified teaching professionals.
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