Urgent Action Needed to Address Teacher Deficit in Nigeria

Dr. Angela Ajala, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), warned during a visit to the Educational Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN) in Abuja that Nigeria faces a severe teacher deficit within the next six years if urgent steps are not taken to enhance teacher training and enrollment.

Ajala highlighted that the current enrollment rate in colleges of education is alarming, with only 30 students spread across 10 programs, and the attrition rate is concerning. She stated that without quality teachers, the nation cannot develop, as every professional leader has been shaped by teachers.

Ajala criticized the decade-long neglect of the teaching profession and noted that poor teacher training has lasting negative effects on students. She outlined NCCE's reform plans, including dual mandates for colleges to provide multiple qualifications and global skills certifications.

Ajala defended the recent policy to scrap the unified tertiary matriculation examination requirement for college admission, asserting it would not lower standards. She urged educational journalists to help rebrand the teaching profession.