In a historic leap for Nigeria’s education sector, the Federal Government has begun implementing the Dual Mandate Policy, allowing Federal Colleges of Education (FCEs) to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education. This significant development stems from the recently enacted Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This reform, officially confirmed in a press release by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, marks a critical shift in the way Nigeria trains its teachers. No longer confined to issuing only the NCE, FCEs can now provide full-fledged degree programs — a move expected to transform teacher education across the country.
Announcing the policy rollout in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described it as a “revolutionary step” in raising educational standards. “The Dual Mandate Policy is about more than awarding degrees — it’s about preparing a new generation of educators who are equipped to lead in today’s classrooms,” he said.
Under the new Act, any Federal College of Education that meets the National Universities Commission’s criteria is eligible to offer Bachelor’s degree programs. This inclusive approach ensures that even older institutions can adapt and participate, once they fulfill the necessary conditions.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the reform addresses several longstanding challenges: falling student numbers, outdated affiliations with universities for degree awards, and limited access to higher education for aspiring teachers. By empowering FCEs directly, the policy boosts institutional relevance and autonomy, enabling swift adaptation to modern teaching trends.
“This initiative will not only attract more students into the teaching profession but also ensure they graduate with qualifications that match the growing complexities of the education sector,” the Minister noted. “No country can progress beyond the quality of its educators, and this policy is a direct investment in our national future.”
The launch of the Dual Mandate Programme represents a strategic step toward educational progress, opening new pathways for teacher development and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to educational excellence.
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