Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria to award Bachelor’s Degrees

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially rolled out the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs), marking a significant milestone in the country’s education sector.

This new development follows the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The legislation empowers FCOEs to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, providing a dual qualification to students.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, hailed the policy as a groundbreaking step toward reforming teacher education in Nigeria. “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,” he said during the policy’s launch in Abuja.

The implementation of the policy is expected to enhance the quality of education, broaden access to higher qualifications for aspiring educators, and improve classroom instruction across the country.

Under the new framework, all FCOEs that meet the National Universities Commission (NUC) standards are now eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate. This inclusivity ensures that both new and existing FCOEs can participate once the necessary requirements are fulfilled.