Dual Mandate: FG Warns Colleges Against Poor Implementation

The federal government has warned Colleges of Education against poor implementation of the Dual Mandate policy, stressing that institutions must demonstrate adequate readiness, maintain academic standards and ensure accountability before commencing or expanding degree programmes. The Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, gave the warning at the National Retreat/Workshop on the Effective Implementation of the Dual Mandate and Strategic Plan for Colleges of Education, held alongside the unveiling of the new Dual Mandate Curriculum in Abuja. Ahmad said the success of the policy would not be determined by the number of colleges introducing degree programmes but by their ability to deliver quality teacher education in line with approved regulatory standards. She said participating institutions must have qualified academic personnel, appropriate teaching and learning facilities, functional quality assurance systems and sound governance structures to implement the policy effectively. “The success of this policy will not be measured by the number of Colleges that commence degree programmes alone. “Every participating College must demonstrate the required academic capacity, qualified personnel, appropriate facilities, functional quality assurance systems and sound governance arrangements necessary to deliver degree programmes effectively,” the minister said The Dual Mandate policy allows Colleges of Education to retain their traditional responsibility of awarding the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) while progressively expanding their capacity to offer bachelor’s degrees in education, subject to applicable regulatory and quality assurance requirements. According to Ahmad, the reform is designed to broaden access to higher education, strengthen teacher preparation, promote institutional development and improve teaching and learning across the country. She, however, cautioned that the policy must not be treated merely as an opportunity to introduce additional academic programmes, noting that it carries increased responsibilities for institutional management. “The Federal Ministry of Education expects all Colleges of Education to approach this reform with seriousness, strategic commitment and a clear understanding that the Dual Mandate carries increased responsibilities as well as significant opportunities,” she said. The minister also called on the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to ensure the effective dissemination and consistent implementation of the newly unveiled curriculum across institutions. The minister subsequently unveiled the new Dual Mandate Curriculum and the NCCE Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026–2031. Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NCCE, Dr Angela Ajala, said the Dual Mandate was a major reform intended to reposition Colleges of Education, strengthen their relevance and improve the quality of teachers produced for the country’s education system. Ajala said the new curriculum was developed through consultations involving curriculum specialists, academics, professional bodies, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders. According to her, the curricula developed across the 10 Schools incorporate digital competencies, inclusive education, innovative pedagogical approaches, entrepreneurship and practical skills to address contemporary educational needs. “A curriculum on paper cannot transform a classroom. A strategic plan on a shelf cannot transform an institution. And a policy without implementation cannot transform a nation,” Ajala said.