The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Dr Angela Ajala, has issued a strong call for urgent collaboration and deliberate reform to reposition Colleges of Education (CoE) as engines of national transformation. She warned that getting teacher education wrong risks getting it wrong for the entire country.
Ajala made these remarks during her visit to the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, where she was received by the provost, management staff, union leaders, and students. She expressed concern about the perception of teacher education in Nigeria, describing it as unfortunate.
“It sometimes appears as though those who cannot pursue other paths are directed into teaching, even from the point of admission. This perception is troubling, especially when we consider that teaching is the profession that produces every other profession and shapes the generations that will move this country forward,” Ajala said.
She drew a comparison to highlight the inconsistency: “When your car develops a fault, you take it to a mechanic who carefully diagnoses and fixes it. Yet, when it comes to those who will shape the minds and future of generations, we sometimes neglect proper preparation. That is a serious problem.”
Ajala noted that the outcomes seen in society often reflect where people come from, reminding everyone that teachers play a significant role in shaping those outcomes. She emphasized that a teacher can make a profound difference in a child’s life, hence the need to get it right with educators.
She stated that CoEs occupy a strategic place in Nigeria’s educational landscape, particularly at a time when the country is striving to build stronger technical capacity, deepen innovation, and prepare for a rapidly changing world. The NCCE boss also reminded workers that they are central to producing skilled, competent, and future-ready teachers, especially as the country moves into an era where skills acquisition is paramount.
Ajala added that the commission, under her leadership, is committed to transforming the sub-sector, which would not happen without the commitment, innovation, discipline, and willingness of staff members to embrace change. She outlined the commission’s focus on strengthening standards, deepening the dual mandate, promoting digitisation, improving data systems, expanding partnerships, and ensuring that colleges are globally competitive.
She urged staff, students, management, and unions to see the moment as an opportunity. “A season to rethink possibilities, confront our challenges honestly, and pursue excellence deliberately,” she said.
In his remarks, the acting Provost, Dr Isaac Miller, listed some of the challenges confronting the college, including a dearth of land space and accommodation for staff members. He appealed to the NCCE boss to intervene and address the issues.
