Federal Civil Service Commission Chairman Calls for Expansion of Colleges of Education Offering Degree Programs
This transition, he argued, would enable these institutions to award certificates of education and degrees through dual-mode delivery, thus addressing challenges in the education system.
AKACHI NOEL 
During the 25th Convocation Lecture of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, emphasized the need for more Colleges of Education offering degree programs across Nigeria. Speaking on the topic "Who and what is a teacher? Issues, challenges and prospects of the institutional reform of Colleges of Education in Nigeria," Prof. Olaopa highlighted the importance of addressing the country's higher education predicament, which he attributed to the dysfunctionality of certification structures.
Prof. Olaopa noted that although 17 Colleges of Education currently award degrees, this number is insufficient to meet the demand for skilled educators in the country. He underscored the significance of upgrading these institutions to expand their carrying capacities and reduce the time NCE holders spend seeking admission to pursue degree certificates.
Furthermore, Prof. Olaopa advocated for the transformation of Colleges of Education into dual-mode institutions, offering both conventional on-site learning and off-site distance learning. This transition, he argued, would enable these institutions to award certificates of education and degrees through dual-mode delivery, thus addressing challenges in the education system.
The proposal for expansion and transformation of Colleges of Education comes amidst ongoing discussions about the future of these institutions and the role they play in shaping the country's education landscape.
