The Federal Government has officially begun implementing the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCoEs), allowing these institutions to simultaneously award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education. This development marks a major advancement in Nigeria’s teacher education reform.
The policy rollout follows the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during the official announcement in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the implementation as a bold and transformative move. In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the minister noted that the Dual Mandate Policy goes beyond reform—it represents a revolution in the preparation of teachers in Nigeria.
“This initiative not only empowers institutions but also increases access and raises the quality of education in our classrooms,” Alausa said. He explained that under the new law, all FCoEs that meet the National Universities Commission (NUC) standards are now eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate, regardless of when they were established.
The minister emphasized that allowing FCoEs to offer degree programs equips educators with the advanced skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the education sector. The statement further highlighted that the policy offers an alternative pathway for earning Education degrees outside the traditional university system, thereby expanding access to higher education.
In addition, the policy is designed to address several key challenges at once—such as declining enrolment figures, dependence on university affiliations for awarding degrees, and concerns over institutional relevance. It also grants FCoEs greater autonomy in developing and delivering their curriculum, allowing them to better adapt to changes within the teaching profession.
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers,” the minister said. “This policy lays a stronger foundation for our education system by ensuring that every teacher is well-trained, qualified, and ready for the classroom.”
The inclusion of eligible FCoEs in the Dual Mandate Programme is seen as a significant step toward strengthening teacher education and driving broader educational development in Nigeria.
