Provosts canvass skills acquisition, education reforms

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The Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education in Nigeria has called for a bold overhaul of the country’s teacher education system, with a strong emphasis on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as drivers of national development.

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This was contained in a press statement signed on Wednesday by Dahiru Gurama, the acting Director, Public Relations and Protocol of Federal College of Education Technical, Gombe.

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At its 2nd Annual Conference held on April 21, 2026, at the National Commission for Colleges of Education headquarters in Abuja, stakeholders stressed the urgency of repositioning Colleges of Education to meet modern economic and labour demands.

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With the theme, “Revolutionising Nigeria’s Colleges of Education System: Integrating Dual Mandate Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship for Educational and Economic Transformation,” the conference brought together key policymakers, administrators, and union leaders in the education sector.

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Delivering her remarks as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, described the theme as timely and necessary.

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She said, “the integration of academic training with practical skills and entrepreneurship is essential for repositioning Colleges of Education as catalysts for both educational excellence and economic growth.”

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Ahmad added that the initiative would not only improve teachers’ preparations but also empower graduates.

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“This will equip them with competencies required for self-reliance, innovation, and job creation,” she stated, reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to working closely with the NCCE and other stakeholders.

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Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NCCE, Dr. (Mrs) Angela Ajala described the conference as a critical platform for reforms.

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She noted that “integrating academic training with practical skills and entrepreneurship is key to transforming Colleges of Education into dynamic institutions capable of producing innovative and self-reliant graduates.”

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The Chairman of the Committee of Provosts, Dr. Ali Adamu, in his remarks, also observed that the theme was deliberately chosen to confront pressing realities in the sector.

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According to him, “the conference provides a strategic platform for advancing reforms, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, and equipping Colleges of Education to produce graduates who are professionally competent, innovative, and self-reliant.”

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Representing the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Senator Muntari Dan-Dutse, Professor Bashir Nuhu commended the initiative, saying it aligns with national priorities.

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He stressed that the focus on combining academic knowledge with practical skills “is essential to enhancing institutional performance and repositioning Colleges of Education to better contribute to national development goals.”

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The conference also featured the unveiling of a festschrift in honour of the immediate past NCCE Executive Secretary, Professor Okwelle Paulinus Chijioke, and especially in recognition of his contributions to teacher education.

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In his keynote address, Okwelle expressed gratitude for the recognition.

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“This honour is humbling,” he said, while pledging continued commitment to mentorship and academic development.

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Stakeholders from other academic unions also lent their voices.

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For instance, the President of COEASU, Dr. Lawan Bazza described the conference as “timely and forward-looking,” noting that its focus aligns with efforts to reposition teacher education.

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Similarly, SSUCOEN President Danladi Ali Msheliza pointed out that the initiative represents “a significant step towards consolidating reforms in the sub-sector.”

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The event culminated in a send-forth dinner honouring Professor Okwelle, past and outgoing leaders of the Committee of Provosts, and 31 exited and exiting Provosts.

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The Chairman of the occasion, Professor Francis Adedayo Faduyile, said the recognition was in appreciation of “exemplary service and contributions to advancing teacher education in Nigeria.”

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Representing the minister at the dinner, Director of Colleges, Dr. Uchenna Cecilia Uba praised the honourees for their impact. She said their leadership had significantly strengthened the Colleges of Education system.

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In her remarks, Dr. Ajala pledged to sustain ongoing reforms. “We will continue to build on the legacy of strengthening the Colleges of Education sub-sector,” she said.

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Responding, Professor Okwelle expressed deep appreciation, describing the honour as “deeply meaningful,” and called for sustained cooperation with the current NCCE leadership.

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Speaking on behalf of the exiting Provosts, Professor Faruk Haruna Rasheed urged continued commitment within the system. “Serving Provosts must remain dedicated to advancing the Colleges of Education system in Nigeria,” he urged.

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The event attracted top officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, NCCE, governing councils, staff unions, and families of the honourees closed with

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awards which were presented to the former Executive Secretary, past and outgoing Chairmen of the Committee of Provosts, and the exited and exiting Provosts.

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