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…Reaffirms commitment to strengthening teacher education nationwide
From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Federal Government has commended the Provost of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, Prof. Pauline Ikwuegbu, and the institution’s management for what it described as remarkable infrastructural transformation and sustained academic excellence recorded under her leadership.
The commendation came during the College’s 34th Combined Convocation and Endowment Ceremony for the award of Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) and Degree Certificates held weekend, at the institution,
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, represented by the Director of Colleges of Education, Dr. Uchenna Uba, said he was highly impressed by the scale of infrastructure development executed by the Provost, describing the achievements as fully aligned with the Federal Government’s vision of repositioning teacher education in Nigeria.
“I am overwhelmed by the level of infrastructural facilities provided by Prof. Pauline Ikwuegbu and her management team. While policy provides direction, effective institutional leadership translates policy into measurable results. The infrastructure here is outstanding and reflects significant progress in academic advancement and institutional development,” the Minister stated.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to comprehensive education reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that education remains central to national development.
According to him, the Federal Government has continued to strengthen teacher education through strategic policies, particularly the Dual Mandate Policy Programme, which now empowers Federal Colleges of Education to award both NCE and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, alongside targeted capacity-building programmes aimed at improving teaching standards nationwide.
Dr. Alausa also commended the institution’s Governing Council led by Ambassador Prince Melu-Bari Akekue, staff, students, alumni and development partners whose contributions, he noted, have sustained the growth and stability of the College.
He urged graduating students to uphold the ethics and integrity of the teaching profession and remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.
In his remarks, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by his Special Adviser on Education Innovation and Director of Experiential Learning, Enugu Smart Green Schools, Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, described the occasion as both a celebration of academic achievement and recognition of the enduring legacy of an institution that has remained a beacon of teacher education and human capital development in Nigeria.
According to him, FCE Eha-Amufu occupies a significant place in the educational history of Enugu State and the country, having consistently distinguished itself in producing quality professional teachers.
“Through its commitment to excellence, the College has contributed immensely to building generations of educators who continue to shape minds and transform communities,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Akekue, described the convocation as a celebration of academic excellence, institutional progress and collective achievements recorded through the contributions of staff, students, alumni, stakeholders and development partners.
He noted that the Governing Council played strategic roles in the implementation of the Federal Government’s Dual Mandate Policy, strengthened institutional governance through the transparent appointment of substantive principal officers including the Registrar and Bursar, while deepening partnerships with critical stakeholders.
Akekue expressed optimism about the future of the institution, stressing that with the full implementation of the Dual Mandate policy, the College is positioned for greater growth and national relevance.
He also appreciated the support of the Minister of Education, Governor Mbah, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), among other distinguished supporters of the institution.
Earlier, in her address, the Provost of the college, Prof. Ikwuegbu, said the convocation was organised to formally celebrate and confer certificates on deserving graduands who successfully completed their academic programmes.
She disclosed that a total of 1,569 graduates successfully completed the College’s NCE, Degree and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) programmes and were found worthy in character and learning.
The Provost, who noted that the ceremony marked her final convocation after serving the institution for eight years, charged the graduating students to distinguish themselves positively in society. “My charge to you is simple: Be the difference,” she said.
Reflecting on her eight-year tenure, Prof. Ikwuegbu explained that her administration was built around a transformative vision anchored on the Three Rs; Rejuvenation, Reconstruction and Repositioning, a vision she said has now been fully realised.
She highlighted major achievements recorded under her administration to include massive construction, renovation and rehabilitation of academic and administrative buildings, staff and student welfare improvements, strategic recruitment, human capital development, staff training and institutional capacity building.
Despite the achievements, she disclosed that challenges such as insecurity concerns, inadequate funding and land encroachment resulting from the absence of perimeter fencing remained major issues confronting the institution.
She appealed to the Federal Government and private sector stakeholders to sustain investments in Colleges of Education to further strengthen teacher education in Nigeria.
The event attracted prominent dignitaries from academia, government, traditional institutions and the private sector.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the commissioning of projects executed by the Provost, including the newly constructed School of Languages Complex, Agricultural Education Complex, Early Grade Resource Reading Centre, and School of Adult, Non-Formal and Special NEEDS Education Complex.
