Abuja: The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has announced a significant reform in teacher training designed to produce digitally competent, highly skilled, and globally competitive educators. Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Angela Ajala, revealed this initiative during a briefing in Abuja, marking her first 100 days in office.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the reform involves an ongoing dual-mandate programme empowering selected colleges of education to award both Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree certificates. This initiative aims to align Nigeria’s teacher education with the digital transformation of the 21st century, representing a major shift in teacher preparation.
Dr. Ajala emphasized that the initiative will ensure graduates acquire practical skills, offering alternative sources of livelihood. She highlighted the importance of producing teachers who are digitally enabled and capable of meeting the diverse needs of 21st-century learners. The commission is collaborating with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to review and enhance curricula for the programme’s degree component, with plans to digitise the curriculum to support self-paced learning.
Ajala noted that the reforms would improve access to teacher education by removing admission barriers and promoting inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities. She stressed the critical role of teacher education in shaping future generations and mentioned ongoing partnerships with development agencies to support reform implementation amid funding constraints.
The dual-mandate programme will be rolled out in phases, initially involving federal colleges, with state and private colleges joining post regulatory processes. Dr. Pius Ekwarigho, Director of ICT, highlighted efforts to promote blended learning through learning management systems, with over 50 commission staff trained to support digital learning initiatives.
Dr. Sani Mohammed, Chairman of the Committee of Provosts, praised the reform as a landmark development, poised to enhance professionalisation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship education across colleges. Concurrently, Mrs. Grace Jerry, Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, called for the integration of inclusivity in teacher education, stressing its importance for a successful education system.
Jerry asserted that inclusive teaching approaches empower teachers to address diverse learning needs, fostering empathy, collaboration, and respect among learners. The benefits of inclusion extend beyond individuals with disabilities, enhancing school responsiveness, parental confidence, and community cohesion.