The Federal Government has begun consultations with Colleges of Education and other stakeholders in the North-East as part of preparations for the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy.
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is leading the engagement, which is aimed at identifying challenges facing institutions in the region and developing practical solutions before the policy is fully implemented.
NCCE Executive Secretary, Dr Angela Ajala, disclosed this during a stakeholder engagement in Gombe on Thursday.
According to Ajala, the consultations are part of a wider engagement with Colleges of Education across the country to understand their specific needs and determine which challenges can be addressed by the institutions, the commission or the Federal Government.
Under the Dual Mandate Policy, eligible Colleges of Education will be able to offer the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) alongside Bachelor of Education degree programmes, subject to the required approvals and accreditation.
The new framework also introduces a skills component, meaning students are expected to graduate with professional education qualifications as well as practical skills that can improve their employability and ability to become self-reliant.
Ajala said issues requiring government intervention would be presented to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, while development partners could also be approached where additional support is required.
She explained that the skills component was designed to help graduates develop solutions to challenges within their communities and reduce their dependence solely on formal employment.
The consultation comes as the NCCE begins implementation of the new teacher education framework in September 2026. The commission has also outlined plans to expand the production of skilled and digitally certified teachers through the new system.
Speaking during the engagement, former Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, Dr Ali Adamu, identified inadequate funding, shortages of qualified personnel and infrastructure deficitsas some of the major challenges that could affect implementation.
Adamu said the policy could support career progression, revitalise Colleges of Education, improve teacher quality and contribute to human capital development, but called for increased funding, better infrastructure and continuous staff development.
The Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, Dr Mohammed Abdulhamid, also commended the NCCE and the Federal Government for efforts to reposition teacher education.
The NCCE said continued engagement with institutions and stakeholders would be necessary to ensure that Colleges of Education are adequately prepared to implement the new policy and meet the required academic and institutional standards.
