The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs), following the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023
In a statement released by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the new law—signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—empowers FCOEs to simultaneously award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education. This move is seen as a significant leap forward in the country’s ongoing reform of teacher education.
While announcing the policy rollout in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa described the implementation as a bold and progressive shift in education.
“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. This initiative empowers institutions, broadens access, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria,” the Minister stated.
Under the new law, all FCOEs that meet National Universities Commission (NUC) standards are now eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate, regardless of when they were established. This inclusive approach ensures broader participation among institutions that fulfill the required criteria.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that enabling FCOEs to offer degrees will help raise teacher competencies, better equipping them to meet the evolving demands of the education sector. He also noted that the initiative creates an alternative pathway for obtaining Education degrees outside of the traditional university system.
The policy aims to address several long-standing challenges, including low enrollment rates, relevance of teacher training institutions, and dependence on university affiliations for degree awards.
Additionally, the Dual Mandate grants FCOEs greater autonomy in developing and implementing curricula—allowing them to respond more effectively to trends and emerging needs in the teaching profession.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector, the Minister said, “No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. This policy strengthens the foundation of our education system—ensuring that every teacher is trained, qualified, and prepared.”
The inclusion of eligible FCOEs in the Dual Mandate Programme marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to transform and modernize teacher education.
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