By Ovie Bethel
The Colleges of Education system in Nigeria has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the Dual Mandate, a groundbreaking policy that allows these institutions not only to train professional teachers but also to offer selected degree programmes.
This new framework is set to transform teacher education across the country and create more opportunities for students, educators, and institutions alike.
Under this revolutionary policy, Colleges of Education can now run both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degree programmes. This gives students the chance to gain broader qualifications without having to leave the college or depend on an affiliated university for degree certificates.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chairman of the Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN), Mosogar Chapter, Comr. Ovie Origho emphasized the importance of creating awareness about the Dual Mandate.
He urged prospective students, parents, staff members, educators, and the general public to embrace the policy and understand its many benefits, which include:
1. Expanded Academic Pathways: Students now have the flexibility to pursue both NCE and degree programmes in one institution. This opens up more career options and allows them to tailor their education to meet personal and professional goals.
2. Increased Enrollment and Institutional Relevance: By offering degree programmes directly, colleges can attract more students, curb declining enrollment trends, and maintain their importance in Nigeria’s educational landscape. The policy also reduces reliance on universities for degree issuance, giving colleges greater control over their academic programmes.
3. Higher Teacher Quality: The Dual Mandate strengthens teacher training, ensuring that graduates possess deeper knowledge of their subjects and stronger pedagogical skills. This prepares them to deliver high-quality education in schools nationwide.
4. Greater Institutional Autonomy: Colleges now have more freedom to develop and implement their curriculum. This flexibility enables institutions to quickly adapt to emerging educational trends, improve teaching methods, and better serve students.
5. Increased Employer Confidence: Graduates from Dual Mandate institutions are seen as well-prepared both academically and professionally, boosting their credibility and employability in the job market.
He reaffirmed the union's commitment to working closely with college management, government bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the Dual Mandate, while he pledged that SSUCOEN -Mosogar Chapter, will continue advocating for policies that enhance teacher education, safeguard staff welfare, and promote excellence across all institutions of learning.
Comr. Origho further praised His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State, and the Delta State House of Assembly for passing the bill and signing it into law.
"This move underscores the state government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing education and creating a stronger, more progressive system in Delta State.
The introduction of the Dual Mandate marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s education sector. By combining teacher training with degree programmes, Colleges of Education are now better positioned to develop highly skilled educators, boost institutional performance, and provide students with brighter futures." He said
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