NCCE charges South-East teachers training colleges on quality, dual mandate implementation
ENUGU, Nigeria — The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has urged the government and stakeholders in the South-East to enhance their efforts in training quality educators.
During a recent engagement meeting with provosts of Colleges of Education in the region, Dr. Angela Ajala, Executive Secretary of the NCCE, emphasized the importance of advancing teacher quality amid a notable disparity in the number of educational institutions. While some regions boast over 30 Colleges of Education, the South-East currently has just over 10.
This meeting, held at the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), aimed to improve various aspects of teacher education, including skills development, digital learning, and the implementation of the dual mandate for Colleges of Education.
Ajala highlighted the necessity for increased budgetary allocations to the education sector, stating that recognition of education’s significance is crucial for fostering respect and support for the field. However, she noted that funding for infrastructure alone would be ineffective without a simultaneous focus on teacher preparation.
“A nation cannot rise above the quality of its teachers,” Ajala said, stressing that investments in facilities like smart classrooms are futile without addressing the qualifications of those who will teach within them.
She called on Colleges of Education to update their training programs to align with contemporary classroom demands. As educational environments increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence and digital technologies, Ajala stated it is essential for teacher trainees to acquire practical, entrepreneurial, and digital competencies.
The NCCE intends for this renewed approach to teacher education to enable graduates to obtain not only their National Certificate in Education (NCE) and degrees but also globally recognized skills certificates and professional registrations. This training is expected to broaden the career options for graduates, both in and beyond the teaching profession.
Additionally, Ajala advocated for the expanded use of student loans, aimed at alleviating financial barriers to higher education for young Nigerians.
Dr. Stella Ekwueme, Provost of the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), noted that the meeting facilitated meaningful dialogue and collaboration on advancing teacher education. She pointed out that the evolving requirements of modern classrooms necessitate that Colleges of Education equip teacher trainees with essential practical skills, digital proficiency, professional ethics, and problem-solving capabilities.
Ekwueme called for stronger partnerships between the NCCE, state governments, and Colleges of Education, particularly regarding infrastructure development, staff training, curriculum implementation, technology integration, teaching resources, and academic research.
Discussing the dual mandate, she remarked that it offers both opportunities and responsibilities for Colleges of Education to produce adept NCE and degree-level educators while adapting to the shifting landscape of higher education.
Ekwueme expressed hope that the engagement would yield practical outcomes, pinpoint areas that need intervention, and bolster continuous communication between the NCCE and Colleges of Education in the South-East.
