From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has challenged the newly inaugurated Governing Councils of the Federal Colleges of Education (CoEs) to develop innovations and ideas that would be used to fix some contemporary challenges in the CoEs particularly the issue of revenue and dwindling enrollment.
Executive Secretary, NCCE, Prof. Chijioke Okwelle, gave the charge in his address to the Chairmen and Members of the Governing Councils of CoEs at an orientation retreat in Abuja.
He said that the coming of the Governing Councils signifies a renewed commitment to excellence and accountability in the CoEs. “But as we embark on this journey, it is imperative that we understand our roles, adhere to established laws, and address the challenges that lie ahead.”
He reminded them that Federal CoEs were established to raise quality and professionally trained teachers for basic education, and the establishment of the NCCE, being the third tertiary education supervisory arm/regulatory agency, was predicated on the importance that the government attached to quality teacher education.
Prof. Okwelle restated the pivotal role the Governing Councils play in the administration and governance of Federal CoEs as stipulated in the Federal CoEs Act and other extant rules relating to the operations of institutions of this nature.
He stressed the importance of adhering to the laws that established Federal CoEs, stressing that the laws are the foundation upon which the institutions were built, hence they provide the framework for governance, operations, and academic activities.
“Compliance with these regulations ensures consistency, fairness, and integrity in the educational system. All members of the Governing Councils are expected to familiarize themselves with these laws and ensure their institutions operate within the legal frameworks established. These may be in the areas of policy formulation, oversight function, resource management, strategic planning, accountability and transparency.”
He assured them of maximum support from the NCCE to make their work easy and deliver on their mandate creditably.
“We shall constitute a Committee of Chairmen of Governing Council with a staff of the Commission as a Desk Officer for the purpose of liaising with and interfacing with the Federal Ministry of Education, NCCE Management, Committee of Federal Provosts and others as the need arises.
The Director, Colleges of Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Uchenna Uba, in her remarks, congratulated the Council members on the appointment, stating that their selection was a testament to their exceptional capabilities, unwavering dedication, and profound commitment to the advancement of Nigeria as a nation.
“The President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has entrusted you with immense responsibility and influence that will shape the future of teacher education in Nigeria. The importance of your job as Chairmen and Council Members cannot be overemphasized.
“You are the custodians of the standards, values, and vision that will drive our Federal CoEs towards excellence. Your contributions will directly impact the development of our educators, who will in turn, transform the minds and futures of many young Nigerians positively,” she said.
She told the gathering that their responsibilities as Council Chairmen and Members are not just a position of prestige but one of profound impact and significance. “The future of our educational system, the quality of our teachers, and the academic success of our students depend on the decisions and actions you take during your tenure.
“It is a responsibility that requires wisdom, diligence and a deep-seated passion for education, qualities which you all possess.”
She thus encouraged them to approach the role with a deep sense of purpose, commitment, and collaboration, assuring them that the Federal Ministry of Education stands ready to support them in every possible way as they embark on the noble journey.