The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially begun implementing the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs), following the passage of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
This new law, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allows FCOEs to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education.
It marks a major step forward in reforming teacher education in the country.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, who announced the policy rollout in Abuja, described it as a transformative move aimed at improving teacher training and classroom instruction nationwide.
“The Dual Mandate Policy is a revolutionary step in teacher education,” Alausa said. “It empowers colleges to offer both NCE and degree programs, increases access to higher education, and raises the standard of teaching across Nigeria.”
Under the new law, FCOEs that meet the standards of the National Universities Commission can now offer degree programs independently, regardless of when they were established.
This eliminates the previous need for affiliations with universities to award degrees.
The Minister also highlighted the policy’s broader impact, saying it will help reduce declining enrolment, keep colleges relevant, and give them more control over their curriculum.
This autonomy allows institutions to adapt quickly to changes in the education sector.
Reaffirming the government’s focus on improving education, Alausa said, “No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. This policy ensures that our educators are well-trained, well-qualified, and ready to lead the next generation.”
The move to include eligible FCOEs in the Dual Mandate Programme is seen as a key milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s education system.