By Seyi Babalola
Following the passage of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced on Friday that the Dual Mandate Policy would be officially implemented across all Federal Colleges of Education.
According to Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, this legislation, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allows FCOEs to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s teacher education reform efforts.
Announcing the policy rollout in Abuja, the Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa described the implementation as a bold and progressive step.
“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.”
According to the Act, all FCOEs that meet the National Universities Commission standards are now eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate. This inclusive policy ensures that institutions, regardless of their establishment date, can participate once the stipulated requirements are met.
The Minister emphasised the policy’s significance, stating that granting degrees within FCOEs provides educators with higher-level capabilities to address the changing demands of the education industry. It also broadens access to higher education by offering an alternative path to obtaining Education degrees outside of the regular university system.
The Dual Mandate addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, including curbing declining enrolment, preserving institutional relevance, and eliminating the need for university affiliations in the issuance of degrees.
Furthermore, the policy grants greater autonomy to FCOEs in curriculum development and implementation, enabling them to respond more swiftly to emerging trends and needs in the teaching profession.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalizing education, the Minister stated: “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.”