By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has commenced consultations with Provosts and other stakeholders in the Northeast to address challenges that may hinder the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy for Colleges of Education.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Gombe, the Executive Secretary of NCCE, Dr Angela Ajala, said the commission was engaging institutions across the country to identify peculiar challenges and develop practical solutions ahead of the full implementation of the policy.
She said the initiative was designed to strengthen teacher education by equipping graduates with professional qualifications and practical skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Ajala explained that under the new arrangement, students would have the opportunity to obtain the NCE, Bachelor of Education degree and a skills certificate.
“We are here to know their challenges and how they can be solved. If it is what the colleges can solve on their own, what NCCE can solve or what the government needs to intervene,” she said.
She added that challenges requiring government intervention would be presented to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, while development partners would also be approached where necessary.
According to her, the skills component of the policy would help graduates become self-reliant and develop solutions to problems within their communities.
Presenting a paper titled, “Dual Mandate of Colleges of Education: Challenges, Opportunities and Expectations,” former Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, Dr Ali Adamu, identified inadequate funding, shortage of qualified personnel and infrastructure deficits as major challenges.
Adamu said the policy could improve career progression, revitalise institutions, enhance teacher quality and promote human capital development.
He called for increased funding, improved infrastructure and continuous staff development to ensure the success of the initiative.
The Provost of FCE (Technical), Gombe, Dr Mohammed Abdulhamid, commended the Federal Government and NCCE for efforts to reposition teacher education in the country.
