FG to unveil digital curriculum for colleges of education
June 24, 2026 11:08 am
National Commission for Colleges of Education
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, Angela Ajala, has unveiled plans to introduce a competency-based digital curriculum across Nigeria’s colleges of education, declaring that her administration is determined to restore the prestige of teacher education and produce a new generation of digitally skilled, globally competitive teachers.
Ajala made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during activities marking her first 100 days in office, where she outlined a reform agenda centred on curriculum modernisation, digital transformation, skills acquisition, inclusive education and the implementation of the dual-mandate policy.
According to her, the reforms are aimed at addressing longstanding concerns about the quality of teacher preparation and ensuring that colleges of education remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“Teacher education is unlike any other education. It is the foundation and bedrock of all other professions. If we get teacher preparation right, we get the future right,” Ajala said.
She explained that the Commission was currently working with the National Universities Commission and other stakeholders to finalise a new curriculum that would move away from excessive theory and focus more on competencies, practical skills and digital learning.
“We are tightening our curriculum and working with stakeholders to ensure that the standards and quality meet global expectations.
“After that, we are going to digitise the curriculum in such a way that every student can access and benefit from it. Every teacher will be digitally skilled going forward.”
Ajala disclosed that the curriculum would support self-paced learning, remote teaching and technology-enabled instruction, making it possible for students to continue learning regardless of location.
“When we unveil the curriculum, you will see that whether a student is in class or at home, learning can continue seamlessly.
“A student will be able to access modules, watch self-paced videos, undertake assessments and complete projects independently. The curriculum is competency-based. It is no longer the overly theoretical model we used to have.
“A teacher can teach from anywhere in the world, and a student can learn from anywhere. That is the future we are building.”
The Executive Secretary said the Commission was partnering with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to ensure that digital literacy becomes an integral part of teacher preparation in the country.
She added that skills acquisition would also form a major component of the new teacher education framework.
“Skills acquisition is an area we are very particular about. Every teacher will be equipped with practical skills that will enable them to thrive in today’s world.
“Going through a college of education will become a win-win situation because graduates will leave with a skills certificate, an NCE qualification and, in many cases, a degree.”
Ajala also defended ongoing reforms affecting the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), arguing that the changes were necessary to reposition teacher education and remove barriers that had limited access and growth in the sector.
She acknowledged that reforms often generate resistance but insisted that the long-term benefits would outweigh any short-term concerns.
“When something has been done for so long, people become accustomed to it. Naturally, any change creates some level of disruption.
“One of the key things we wanted to achieve was the removal of barriers because we are now talking about inclusive education.”
The NCCE boss disclosed that the Commission was engaging persons with disabilities and other critical stakeholders to ensure that ongoing reforms reflect the principles of inclusion and equal access.
“Everybody must be part of this transformation. Education should not exclude anyone.”
She stressed that the quality of teachers produced today would determine the quality of future generations.
“When a teacher enters a classroom and negatively impacts a child, the consequences can last a lifetime.
“Rather than producing broken adults in the future, we want to ensure that our preparation of teachers is strong enough to equip children to become leaders and informed citizens.”
Despite the ambitious reform agenda, Ajala admitted that funding remains one of the biggest obstacles facing colleges of education and the Commission.
She, however, noted that partnerships with development agencies and stakeholders had helped sustain some of the Commission’s initiatives.
“Funding remains a major challenge, but we are working with development partners, donor agencies and stakeholders. We are not relying solely on government because there is only so much government can provide.”
She revealed that the development of the new curriculum required significant financial resources and commended provosts and institutional leaders for contributing to the process.
“The curriculum review process is expensive, but stakeholders have continued to support us because they believe in the vision.”
Ajala also praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for supporting reforms in the education sector.
“We appreciate the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
“We are seeing speed, support and a commitment to solving problems. Education has clearly been prioritised.”
On the implementation of the dual-mandate policy, which allows colleges of education to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education and bachelor’s degrees, Ajala said the rollout would be gradual.
“The implementation will begin with selected colleges of education and will be rolled out in phases because not all institutions are at the same level.”
She explained that while some federal colleges had already commenced the process, state-owned institutions would first need to secure legislative approval from their respective state assemblies.
“Some colleges may eventually decide not to adopt the dual mandate and may choose to continue offering only the NCE. That option remains available.”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education, Dr Ademola Salami, described Ajala’s first 100 days in office as a watershed moment for teacher education in Nigeria.
Salami said the Executive Secretary had brought renewed energy, vision and direction to the sector.
“Today is a landmark in the history of the Commission. Since assuming office, Dr Angela Ajala has hit the ground running and is driving transformative changes in teacher education.”
He emphasised that teacher education occupies a strategic position in national development because teachers are responsible for building the country’s human capital.
“Teachers build nations. If you have good teachers, you will produce good citizens.
“We prepare the citizens who drive national development. That is why teacher education must receive the attention it deserves.”
Salami commended Ajala for carrying stakeholders along and ensuring broad participation in the reform process.
“The Committee of Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education is pleased with the direction the Commission is taking under her leadership.
“She has carried stakeholders along because she understands that reforms can only succeed through collaboration.”
He also praised the Commission’s emphasis on professionalising teaching and strengthening digital learning.
“One of her major priorities is the professionalisation of teaching, and we are already seeing concrete steps towards achieving that objective.
“Digitalisation is no longer optional in today’s world. The Commission has put adequate measures in place to ensure that colleges of education are not left behind.”
According to him, work on the new curriculum is already progressing and will reflect emerging trends in global education.
“The curriculum we are developing will go beyond conventional courses.
“It will incorporate entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, hands-on training, digital pedagogy and other innovative approaches required in contemporary education.
“We are working closely with the NCCE and the National Universities Commission to develop a vibrant curriculum that will stand the test of time and meet the country’s present and future needs.”
The Director of Information and Corporate Services Department, Arinze Ukeje, noted that the Executive Secretary’s first 100 days were defined by high-impact engagements with stakeholders aimed at reinforcing a shared responsibility for quality teacher preparation.
Dr Ajala assumed office as Executive Secretary of the NCCE in March 2026 amid growing concerns over declining enrolment in colleges of education, teacher shortages and calls for reforms to improve the quality of teacher preparation in Nigeria.
The NCCE is the federal regulatory agency responsible for setting standards, accrediting programmes and coordinating teacher education across colleges of education nationwide.
Her administration has prioritised curriculum reform, digital transformation, teacher professionalisation, skills acquisition and the implementation of the Colleges of Education Act 2023, which introduced the dual-mandate framework allowing eligible colleges of education to award bachelor’s degrees alongside the Nigeria Certificate in Education.
Education stakeholders believe the reforms could help reposition colleges of education, improve learning outcomes and address longstanding concerns about the quality and relevance of teacher training in Nigeria.
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.
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