NCCE Sets 2031 Deadline for Colleges to Implement Dual Mandate

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has set a deadline of 2031 for Colleges of Education in Nigeria to prepare for the implementation of the Dual Mandate, which permits these institutions to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree qualifications. Dr (Mrs) Angela Ajala, Executive Secretary of the NCCE, announced this during the North-Central Zonal Engagement with Provosts of Colleges of Education in Abuja.

She emphasized that the 2031 target should be seen as a measure of the colleges' capacity to deliver quality teacher education rather than merely a deadline for introducing degree programs. Ajala also expressed concerns regarding unresolved administrative issues, noting that some colleges have not issued NCE certificates to graduates dating back to the 1990s.

Furthermore, she urged colleges to update their physical development plans to align with the new mandate. Dr Uchenna Uba, Director of Colleges of Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders to transform teacher education.