Federal Colleges of Education Now Approved to Award Degrees

Following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, the Federal Ministry of Education has announced the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy in all Federal Colleges of Education, enabling them to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education.

The integration of eligible Federal Colleges of Education into the Dual Mandate Programme represents a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s educational advancement.

Unveiling the policy in Abuja, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa lauded the implementation as a groundbreaking and forward-thinking move.

“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,” he said.

Persecondnews reports that the Act stipulates that all FCOEs meeting National Universities Commission (NUC) standards are eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate.

This policy inclusively allows institutions, irrespective of their date of establishment to participate upon fulfilling specified requirements.

According to the Minister, the Dual Mandate policy boosts educators’ skills, increases access to higher education, and addresses key issues like low enrollment and institutional relevance, all while allowing FCOEs to award degrees independently.

Alausa highlighted the policy’s significant impact, stating that degree-awarding FCOEs will enhance educators’ competencies to meet the evolving education sector demands while expanding access to higher education through an alternative route to traditional university degrees.

“The Dual Mandate addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, including curbing declining enrolment, preserving institutional relevance, and eliminating the need for university affiliations in the issuance of degrees.

“The policy also gives FCOEs more autonomy in curriculum development and implementation, allowing them to quickly adapt to changing trends and needs in the teaching profession.”

Reiterating the government’s pledge to education revitalization, 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.”