The Federal Government has officially implemented the Dual Mandate Policy, enabling all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) in Nigeria to award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education.
This development follows the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The policy rollout was announced on May 2, 2025, in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Under the new policy, FCOEs that meet the National Universities Commission (NUC) standards are eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate, regardless of their establishment date. This initiative aims to broaden access to higher education, enhance the quality of teacher training, and reduce reliance on universities for degree affiliations.
The Dual Mandate Policy is designed to address several challenges in Nigeria’s teacher education system, including declining student enrolment in colleges of education, concerns over institutional relevance, and the need for greater autonomy in curriculum development.
By allowing FCOEs to award degrees independently, the policy empowers institutions to respond more swiftly to emerging trends and needs in the teaching profession.
Implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy is set to begin in September 2025, aligning with the 2025/2026 academic session. This move is part of the government’s broader education reform strategy aimed at enhancing the quality, relevance, and competitiveness of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
