By Felix Khanoba
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Ajala, has warned that Nigeria risks jeopardising its future if the country fails to prioritise teacher education, declaring that the quality of teachers remains the foundation of national development.
Ajala made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving members of the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN), where she launched a strong defence of ongoing reforms in teacher education and called for renewed respect for the teaching profession.
She described the prolonged neglect of teachers and teacher-training institutions as a major threat to the nation’s educational and socio-economic progress, stressing that every sector ultimately depends on the effectiveness of teachers.
“If you get it wrong with a teacher, just know that Nigeria is finished. Every engineer, doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, politician and leader passes through the hands of a teacher. Teacher education lies at the heart of national development,” she declared.
Ajala faulted the widespread perception of teaching as a career for those with limited options, saying the narrative has weakened the profession and undermined the education system.
According to her, the influence of teachers extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of generations and the destiny of nations.
“You can fix a faulty car. But when a teacher damages a child in the classroom, that damage can last a lifetime. Those children become the future professionals and leaders of society,” she said.
The NCCE boss called on education journalists to support efforts aimed at repositioning teaching as a respected and attractive profession, describing the media as a critical stakeholder in the reform process.
“You are not just reporters; you are reformers,” she told the ECAN delegation led by its Chairman, Mr. Chuks Ukwuatu.
She added: “What you report shapes public opinion, influences policy conversations and changes mindsets. We need responsible reporting that reflects the true importance of teacher education.”
Reflecting on the changing status of teachers in society, Ajala lamented what she described as a decline in public regard for the profession.
“Something went wrong along the way. We moved from a society where teachers were highly respected to one where people say, ‘If you have nothing else to do, go and become a teacher.’ That narrative must change,” she said.
Ajala also defended the recent decision to remove the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for admission into Colleges of Education, maintaining that the policy was designed to boost enrolment and address future manpower needs.
She dismissed concerns that the move would lower academic standards, arguing that UTME should not be regarded as the sole measure of a candidate’s academic potential.
“What is UTME? It is a two-hour examination. It is not an achievement test. Decisions like these were not taken arbitrarily; they were based on evidence, data and projections about the future of teacher education in Nigeria,” she explained.
The NCCE Executive Secretary warned that Nigeria could face a serious shortage of qualified teachers within the next six years if urgent steps are not taken to increase enrolment in teacher-training institutions.
“In some colleges, you find only about 30 students spread across 10 programmes. The attrition rate is alarming. If we do not act now, Nigeria may not have enough teachers in the near future,” she cautioned.
Highlighting reforms being implemented by the Commission, Ajala said the dual-mandate policy for Colleges of Education would enhance the value of qualifications obtained by graduates and improve their competitiveness in the global labour market.
Under the arrangement, students will graduate with multiple qualifications, including the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), a degree and internationally recognised skills certification.
“Who else offers that opportunity? Colleges of Education are becoming institutions where students can earn multiple qualifications and acquire international skills that make them globally competitive,” she said.
She further disclosed that the Commission is reviewing curricula across Colleges of Education to ensure alignment with global best practices and emerging educational realities.
“People often cite Finland, Singapore and other countries as models. When you compare their curricula with ours, you will find that Nigeria is not far behind. What we need is proper implementation and a change in perception,” she stated.
Earlier, ECAN Chairman, Mr. Chuks Ukwuatu, congratulated Ajala on her appointment as the first female Executive Secretary of the NCCE, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for the Commission.
He assured the association’s support for objective and constructive coverage of education policies and reforms, noting that ECAN remained committed to promoting national development through informed reporting on education issues.
Ukwuatu also informed the NCCE leadership about the association’s forthcoming Education Conference and Awards, which will bring together key stakeholders to evaluate reforms being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the education sector.
