The Federal Government has officially started the full implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) in Nigeria.
This new development allows these institutions to not only award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) but also grant Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, following the recently enacted Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
This announcement was made on Friday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, during a press briefing held in Abuja.
According to a statement from the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the Act was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and marks a major shift in the training and development of teachers in Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa noted that this policy is a significant step in reforming the teacher education sector.
He said, “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.”
Under the new law, any Federal College of Education that meets the academic and structural requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is now permitted to operate under the dual mandate system. This means they can independently run Bachelor’s degree programmes in Education alongside the traditional NCE programmes.
The Minister also noted that the initiative is expected to improve the quality of teachers graduating from these institutions by equipping them with better knowledge and skills needed for today’s classrooms. He pointed out that it opens new doors for aspiring teachers, especially those who may not be able to attend universities.
The policy also removes the need for colleges to rely on universities for degree affiliations, giving them more freedom to create and manage their own courses. This is expected to lead to quicker responses to changing trends in the education sector.
According to Dr. Alausa, “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.”
