The Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Dr. Wahab Azeez, has said that the only way to address low enrollment in colleges of education is to allow education colleges run dual mode – both the National Certificate for Education (NCE) and degree programmes.
Speaking during the institution’s matriculation, he said: “The only way we can address it is to allow colleges of education to run dual mode. For those who want to come in for teaching education, let them first of all come for three years programme for their NCE, then for their degree they will just spend two extra years, that will make it five years.
“The second way is to allow all colleges of education to be converted to universities (or retain the name) colleges of education if we do not want to change the name. But we should be allowed to run degrees from first degree to PhD level,” he added.
A total of 727 students matriculated at the event held at the Paul Alabi Multipurpose Hall – 635 for NCE, and 92 for the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) programmes.
Underscoring the importance of the ceremony, the Provost said the matriculation was significant in several ways.
“Firstly, it is only at matriculating ceremonies that students offered provisional admission are formally presented and declared bonafide students of the college. Secondly, as bonafide students you are to take Matriculation Oath and sign the authority, rules and regulations.
Thirdly, it is a ceremony at which fresh students are fully integrated into the academic community. Finally, the ceremony is the climax of series of activities designed to introduce fresh students to the college systems and ensure that they derive the greatest benefits from the resources available in the college,” he said.
Azeez told the freshers that the school had taken necessary steps to ensure security on campus, urging to play their role in making the campus safe by being security conscious.
“You are strongly advised to be security conscious and imbibe good maintenance culture in order to complement the efforts of the College Management. Also, you are to avail yourselves of the services of the Students Affairs Unit in times of difficulties and needs.
