Federal Colleges of Education to Start Awarding Degrees in September 2025

The federal government has announced that colleges of education across the country will begin awarding bachelor’s degrees alongside the National Certificate in Education (NCE) starting in September 2025. This dual mandate, which was signed into law in 2023, is aimed at strengthening the role of colleges of education (COEs) and increasing enrolment in teacher training institutions.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of State for Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed the new implementation date during a follow-up session on resolutions from the last biannual stakeholders meeting. Originally scheduled to begin with the 2024/2025 academic session, the rollout was postponed by a year, with federal COEs that have been in existence for at least a decade set to pilot the initiative.

Alausa emphasized that the dual mandate eliminates the need for COEs to convert into universities, urging educators and administrators to embrace the change for the survival and relevance of their institutions. He described the reform as essential for aligning education with modern demands, including technological advancements and innovative teaching methods.

Highlighting the importance of adapting to the times, Alausa called on educators to embed technology, critical thinking, and computational skills in their curricula. He also underscored the urgency of addressing the country’s high number of out-of-school children and reducing learning poverty, noting that teachers are central to this transformation.

“The way we taught 30 or 50 years ago is no longer relevant,” Alausa said. “You must start thinking about how to use technology in the classroom. Education is evolving, and so must we.”

He stressed that the success of the dual mandate depends on the commitment of COE staff and leadership, warning that institutions failing to adapt may risk extinction. According to Alausa, the government has laid the foundation to secure the future of COEs, and it is now the responsibility of stakeholders to ensure its sustainability.