Abuja: The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has called on the Federal Government to appoint a seasoned professional from within the Colleges of Education system as the next Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). In a statement released in Abuja, COEASU President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, emphasized the importance of this move to ensure continuity and stability in the ongoing reforms in teacher education.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Lawan highlighted that the current Executive Secretary’s tenure would conclude in March 2026, necessitating continued reforms in the Colleges of Education system. He praised the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for his efforts in implementing the Dual Mandate policy and safeguarding revitalization funds for Colleges of Education. These reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places a strong emphasis on human capital development and quality education.
Dr. Lawan stressed that teacher education is vital for national development, as no education system can exceed the quality of its teachers. He noted that regulatory agencies perform more effectively when led by professionals from the sectors they oversee. He cited the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) as examples of organizations that have benefited from leadership originating within their respective sectors.
Dr. Lawan pointed out that the NUC consistently selects its executive secretaries from the university system, while the NBTE has enjoyed leadership rooted in the Polytechnic sector. This practice, he said, ensures insider understanding, stakeholder confidence, and policy continuity. He argued that appointing the next Executive Secretary of NCCE from the Colleges of Education sector would promote fairness across Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape and ensure the stability needed to consolidate ongoing reforms.
Furthermore, Dr. Lawan stated that such an appointment would enhance the implementation of the Dual Mandate Act, deepen curriculum development, and sustain revitalization initiatives. He concluded by reaffirming the union’s readiness to collaborate with the government and stakeholders to advance reforms in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.