By Mercy Aikoye
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and other stakeholders have expressed support for the establishment of more Colleges of Education in Nigeria. This move is aimed at meeting the demand for teachers in the country. The stakeholders made their submissions at a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Colleges of Education.
The public hearing was held to engage stakeholders on 10 Bills seeking the establishment of 10 Federal Colleges of Education (FCE) across the country. The proposed institutions will be located in Bayelsa, Kwara, Taraba, Jigawa, Ondo, Plateau, Niger, Kaduna, Imo States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, Nigeria has 205 federal, state, and privately owned Colleges of Education. However, the country’s population is approximately 230 million, with over 60% under the age of 24 years. This demographic has a great thirst for education, and the demand for education far exceeds the current supply.
The Executive Secretary of NCCE, Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, emphasized that the demand for education by Nigerians makes the number of existing Colleges of Education insignificant. He noted that 27 states already have Colleges of Education, but there is a need to create new institutions in states that do not have them to meet their needs for quality teachers.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Adamu Tanko, stated that education remains the bedrock of national development. As representatives of the people, they are committed to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality teacher education, regardless of their location or socio-economic background.
Hon. Tanko, who is also the sponsor of one of the bills seeking the establishment of FCE Suleja Niger State, emphasized that the establishment of new Federal Colleges of Education is a critical step in addressing gaps in teacher training. This will strengthen the education sector and build the skilled workforce needed to drive national progress.
The establishment of more Colleges of Education is expected to address the shortage of qualified teachers in Nigeria. With the support of stakeholders, the proposed bills are likely to be passed, paving the way for the establishment of new institutions that will provide quality teacher education and contribute to national development.
