The Federal Government is set to introduce a new competency-based digital curriculum for colleges of education across Nigeria as part of efforts to modernise teacher training and equip future educators with the skills required in a rapidly evolving digital world.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Angela Ajala, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while marking her first 100 days in office. She said the initiative forms a key component of a broader reform agenda designed to improve the quality of teacher education, strengthen digital literacy, promote skills acquisition, enhance inclusive education, and implement the dual-mandate policy in colleges of education.
According to Ajala, the reforms are aimed at restoring the prestige of teacher education and producing graduates who are technologically proficient and globally competitive.
She described teacher education as the foundation upon which all other professions are built, stressing that improving the preparation of teachers is critical to shaping the future of the nation.
Ajala revealed that the NCCE is collaborating with the National Universities Commission and other stakeholders to develop and finalise a new curriculum that places greater emphasis on practical competencies, digital learning, and real-world skills rather than excessive theoretical instruction.
She explained that once completed, the curriculum would be fully digitised, allowing students to access learning materials and educational resources from any location. The digital framework, she said, will support remote teaching, self-paced learning, online assessments, and project-based learning.
According to her, the new system will ensure that learning continues seamlessly whether students are physically present in classrooms or studying remotely. Students will be able to access course modules, watch instructional videos, complete assignments, and undertake assessments independently through digital platforms.
Ajala noted that the competency-based curriculum represents a significant departure from traditional teaching methods and aligns with global trends in education. She added that the initiative would enable teachers to teach from anywhere in the world while allowing students to learn regardless of geographical location.
To strengthen digital capacity among future educators, the NCCE is partnering with the National Information Technology Development Agency to make digital literacy a core component of teacher preparation programmes nationwide.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted skills acquisition as a major pillar of the reforms. She stated that graduates of colleges of education would not only earn academic qualifications but also acquire practical skills that can improve their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.
Under the new framework, graduates are expected to leave school with a skills certificate alongside the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and, in many cases, a university degree.
Defending ongoing reforms affecting the NCE programme, Ajala said the changes are necessary to reposition teacher education and remove barriers that have historically limited access to opportunities within the sector.
While acknowledging that reforms often encounter resistance, she maintained that the long-term benefits would outweigh temporary disruptions. She emphasised that inclusive education remains a central objective of the reform process.
Ajala disclosed that the Commission is engaging persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to ensure that the reforms accommodate all learners and promote equal access to quality education.
She stressed that the quality of teachers produced today will directly influence the quality of future generations, noting that effective teacher preparation is essential to raising responsible citizens and future leaders.
Despite the ambitious plans, Ajala identified inadequate funding as one of the biggest challenges confronting colleges of education and the Commission. However, she said partnerships with donor agencies, development organisations, and other stakeholders have helped sustain several reform initiatives.
She noted that curriculum development and review require substantial financial resources but commended institutional leaders and provosts for supporting the process and contributing to its success.
Ajala also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for supporting reforms in the education sector.
On the implementation of the dual-mandate policy introduced under the Colleges of Education Act 2023, she explained that the rollout would occur in phases. The policy allows eligible colleges of education to award both the NCE and bachelor’s degrees.
According to her, implementation will begin with selected institutions, particularly federal colleges of education that have already commenced the process. State-owned colleges, however, will need approval from their respective state legislatures before adopting the policy.
She added that institutions unwilling to adopt the dual-mandate arrangement would still have the option of continuing as NCE-awarding institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education, Ademola Salami, described Ajala’s first 100 days in office as a turning point for teacher education in Nigeria.
Salami praised her leadership, saying she has brought renewed direction and energy to the sector through transformative reforms and stakeholder engagement.
He reiterated the importance of teacher education to national development, arguing that quality teachers are essential for producing responsible citizens and driving sustainable growth.
The provosts’ chairman also commended the Commission’s focus on professionalising teaching and embracing digital transformation, noting that work on the new curriculum is progressing steadily.
According to him, the revised curriculum will incorporate entrepreneurship, practical skills training, digital pedagogy, and other innovative approaches that reflect contemporary educational realities and future workforce needs.
Also speaking, the Director of Information and Corporate Services at the NCCE, Arinze Ukeje, said Ajala’s first 100 days in office have been marked by extensive engagement with stakeholders aimed at improving teacher preparation and educational standards nationwide.
Ajala assumed office as Executive Secretary of the NCCE in March 2026 amid growing concerns about declining enrolment in colleges of education, shortages of qualified teachers, and increasing calls for reforms to strengthen teacher training across the country.
The NCCE remains the federal agency responsible for regulating teacher education, accrediting programmes, setting standards, and coordinating activities across colleges of education in Nigeria. Under Ajala’s leadership, the Commission has prioritised curriculum reform, digital transformation, teacher professionalisation, skills development, and the effective implementation of the dual-mandate framework.
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