Students No Longer want to be Teachers, Profession Faces Future Extinction
The Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programme, once a popular choice among tertiary institutions in Nigeria, is witnessing a decrease in interest as current statistics indicate its future extinction. The low application rates have forced colleges to adopt "Pre-NCE" programs,offering a one-year crash course to students with limited qualifications.Critics argue that these programs might not adequately prepare graduates for the critical task of educating future generations.
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The Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programme, once a popular choice among tertiary institutions in Nigeria, is witnessing a decrease in interest as current statistics indicate its future extinction.Over the last decade, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of students opting for teaching and education-related courses, leading to a sharp decrease in applications for the NCE programme.
Data from the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) paints a stark picture of the dwindling interest in pursuing NCE qualifications. Out of the 204 colleges of education across the country, including federal, state, and private institutions, less than 10% of the admission quota designated for NCE applicants is being filled.
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This decline is attributed to several factors, including a general lack of interest in pursuing careers in education. The teaching profession, once highly esteemed, now struggles to attract young graduates due to low salaries. NCE holders, often employed by local governments, frequently earn salaries barely above the minimum wage of N30,000. Such pay not only makes a comfortable livelihood challenging but also diminishes the prestige associated with the teaching profession.
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The low application rates have forced colleges to adopt "Pre-NCE" programs,offering a one-year crash course to students with limited qualifications.Critics argue that these programs might not adequately prepare graduates for the critical task of educating future generations.
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This decline in qualified teacher training programs could have serious consequences for Nigeria's education system.With fewer qualified teachers entering the workforce,the quality of education may suffer,potentially hindering the country's development.
