The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially granted full autonomy to all Colleges of Education nationwide, empowering them to independently run both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree programmes without requiring affiliation with any university. This marks one of the most groundbreaking educational reforms in recent years and is widely seen as a turning point for teacher education in Nigeria.
📌 Background of the Reform
For decades, Colleges of Education in Nigeria were only authorized to run NCE programmes, while those interested in obtaining a degree had to depend on university affiliations. This meant that degree certificates were issued in the name of the partner university, not the college itself.
However, with the signing of the Federal Colleges of Education (Establishment) Act No. 43 of 2023, this system has changed permanently. Colleges of Education are now empowered by law to award both NCE and B.Ed degrees in their own right, making them degree-awarding institutions just like universities.
📌 Why This Matters
- Students Gain More Opportunities
- Candidates can now enroll directly into B.Ed programmes at Colleges of Education without needing to go through universities.
- More admission slots are now available, helping to reduce pressure on universities.
- Lecturers and Staff Benefit
- Academic staff at Colleges of Education can now teach and supervise degree programmes.
- This will lead to career growth, better recognition, and improved remuneration for college lecturers.
- Education Sector Strengthened
- Nigeria will now have a stronger pipeline of professionally trained teachers, both at NCE and degree levels.
- This reform directly supports the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4: Quality Education) by ensuring there are enough well-trained teachers.
📌 Voices from Stakeholders
- Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), described the reform as “transformative and historic”, stressing that it will revitalize teacher education in Nigeria.
- Hon. Adamu Tanko, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, assured students and parents that the degrees from Colleges of Education will have the same value as those awarded by universities.
- The Federal Ministry of Education also promised to provide policy guidance, technical assistance, and resources to help these institutions successfully transition into dual-mode colleges.
📌 Pilot Colleges Already Selected
As part of the first phase of implementation, 15 Federal Colleges of Education have already been approved to commence both NCE and B.Ed programmes simultaneously. Admissions under this new structure have begun for the 2025/2026 academic session.
This rollout will later extend to all Federal and State Colleges of Education across the country.
📌 What This Means for Students’ Careers
With this autonomy, students can now choose between:
- NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education): Typically 3 years, preparing graduates as teachers for primary and junior secondary schools.
- B.Ed (Bachelor of Education): Typically 4 years, qualifying graduates to teach at senior secondary schools and also pursue postgraduate studies.
This dual system makes Colleges of Education more attractive and positions them as direct competitors to universities in teacher training.
📌 Salary Prospects for Graduates
One of the key concerns for students is: “How much will I earn after completing NCE or B.Ed?”
Here’s a breakdown of the average annual salary range for education graduates and teachers in Nigeria (as of 2025):
| Qualification | Level of Teaching | Entry-Level Monthly Salary | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCE | Primary & Junior Secondary | ₦50,000 – ₦120,000 | ₦600,000 – ₦1,440,000 |
| B.Ed | Senior Secondary / Colleges | ₦80,000 – ₦180,000 | ₦960,000 – ₦2,160,000 |
| M.Ed | Senior Lecturer / Specialist Roles | ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 | ₦1,800,000 – ₦4,200,000 |
| PhD (Education) | University Lecturer / Research | ₦250,000 – ₦700,000 | ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,400,000 |
👉 Note: Salaries vary widely depending on whether one is employed by federal, state, or private institutions. Federal colleges and unity schools generally pay better than state institutions, while top private schools sometimes pay above average.
Final Thoughts
The Federal Government’s decision to grant full autonomy to Colleges of Education is more than just a legal reform — it is a game-changer for Nigeria’s education system.
For students, this means greater access to degree programmes, more affordable schooling compared to universities, and better career prospects. For lecturers, it means recognition, career advancement, and higher earning potential. For the nation, it promises a steady supply of skilled teachers, which is the foundation of any strong education system.
This reform is not just about institutions; it is about reshaping the future of education in Nigeria.
