Colleges of Education at Crossroads: Are They Still Relevant in Nigeria?

For many years, Colleges of Education (COEs) were regarded as the foundation of Nigeria’s teacher training system. However, that is fast changing amidst ongoing reforms in the educational sector.

As of today, the relevance of the Colleges of Education is being questioned as the Federal Government considers converting them into Universities of Education. The proposal has sparked debate across the education sector, with many describing it as a reflection of the crisis in the teacher training sub-system. The origin of Colleges of Education dates back to 1958, when the Ashby Commission reported that most teachers in Nigeria were poorly trained and uncertificated. The commission recommended the creation of Advanced Teachers’ Colleges—later renamed Colleges of Education—to produce qualified teachers for primary and junior secondary schools. Graduates were awarded the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), which, for years, had been the primary requirement for teaching in basic schools.

However, things have changed. Teaching is no longer viewed as a prestigious profession, and fewer young people are choosing to pursue a career in education. Many students see it as a last resort when other university courses fail to admit them.

During his 2025 budget defence before the National Assembly, Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa questioned whether Nigeria still needs Colleges of Education, pointing out that similar institutions no longer exist in countries like the United States. He revealed that many of the 32 federal colleges across the country have fewer than 1,000 students, despite receiving huge budget allocations.

Data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) support his concern. Between 2019 and 2023, admissions to NCE programmes dropped sharply, and most colleges were unable to meet their admission quotas despite very low cut-off marks.

In an attempt to revive interest, the Federal Government last year approved a “dual mode” system, allowing colleges to run both degree and NCE programmes. The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) stated that this would enhance access and quality of education. At the same time, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) praised the move, saying it would raise academic standards and attract better-qualified teachers.

Still, some experts believe the NCE certificate has lost its value. Professor Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education, said, “NCE has become a transition certificate. Many government offices no longer accept it. Parents also prefer their children to go to universities.”

However, others, such as Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji of the African School of Economics, disagree, warning that scrapping COEs completely could harm basic education. “If they are all converted, who will train teachers for primary schools?” he asked.

The debate continues. While some argue for total conversion, others suggest that reform and improved funding—not abolition—will restore the pride and purpose of Colleges of Education in Nigeria’s education system.