Abuja: The Social Advancement Forum (SAF) has commended the Federal Government’s decision to approve Bachelor’s Degree programmes in 15 Federal Colleges of Education across Nigeria. The commendation follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent assent to a bill empowering these institutions to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degrees.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in a statement signed by the group’s chairman, Tahir Ibrahim Tahir, SAF described the development as a positive step for education in the country. The group highlighted that the dual certification model is a strategic move aimed at revitalizing teacher education in Nigeria and addressing dwindling enrollment in educational programmes.
SAF noted that by allowing Colleges of Education to award both NCE and B.Ed degrees, Nigeria is taking a substantial step toward improving teacher training and enhancing access to quality education. The group also acknowledged the ongoing efforts to review the minimum standards for NCE to maintain educational quality and ensure compliance with required standards.
Tahir emphasized the importance of effective supervision and implementation to achieve the intended impact of the policy. He expressed hope for proper oversight of the implementation process and urged students to be aware of these developments, advising them not to let the President’s efforts at empowering youths go to waste.
SAF also praised other recent reforms in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. The group believes these initiatives will empower Nigerian youths by focusing on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship through structured learning and training.