The Federal Government has officially launched the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs), following the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
This development was confirmed through a statement issued by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
The new law, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, empowers FCOEs to simultaneously award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education. This marks a transformative moment in the ongoing reforms of Nigeria’s teacher education sector.
While announcing the rollout of the policy in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as “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,” Alausa stated.
The new Act provides that any FCOE meeting the standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate. This inclusivity ensures that institutions, regardless of when they were established, can take part once they meet the necessary criteria.
Dr. Alausa further highlighted the broader implications of the policy, particularly in enhancing the quality of education and increasing access to degree programs beyond the traditional university framework.
“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,” he added.
The Dual Mandate also aims to address multiple challenges within the sector, such as declining student enrollment, institutional relevance, and dependency on universities for degree validation.
Additionally, it grants Federal Colleges of Education more autonomy over curriculum design and implementation, allowing them to better align with current trends and needs in education.
The inclusion of qualified Federal Colleges of Education in the programme is seen as a major stride toward improving the standard and accessibility of teacher education across Nigeria.
