The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is preparing to introduce a new competency-based digital curriculum across colleges of education nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen teacher training and produce educators equipped for the demands of a modern, technology-driven world.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Angela Ajala, announced the initiative on Wednesday in Abuja during activities marking her first 100 days in office.
She used the occasion to unveil a broad reform agenda focused on curriculum review, digitalisation, skills development, inclusive education and the implementation of the dual-mandate policy.
According to Ajala, the planned reforms are intended to improve the quality of teacher preparation and reposition colleges of education to meet evolving global standards.
“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 NCCE is working closely with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other stakeholders to develop a revised curriculum that prioritises practical competencies, digital literacy and hands-on learning over excessive theoretical content.
“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 said the new framework would allow students to continue learning regardless of their location through remote teaching tools, self-paced learning modules and digital instructional resources.
“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.”
To support the digital transformation agenda, she revealed that the Commission is collaborating with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to embed digital literacy into teacher education programmes.
The Executive Secretary added that skills acquisition would become a central component of teacher training under the new curriculum.
“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 justified the ongoing reforms affecting the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), saying the measures are necessary to strengthen teacher education and eliminate obstacles that have hindered growth and access in the sector.
While acknowledging that change often attracts criticism, she maintained that the benefits of the reforms would ultimately outweigh any temporary disruptions.
“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.”
She disclosed that the Commission is consulting persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to ensure that inclusiveness and equal opportunities remain at the heart of the reform process.
“Everybody must be part of this transformation. Education should not exclude anyone.”
Emphasising the importance of quality teacher preparation, Ajala noted that the impact of teachers extends far beyond the classroom and shapes 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, she identified inadequate funding as one of the biggest challenges confronting both the Commission and colleges of education.
Nevertheless, she said support from development partners and stakeholders has helped sustain several 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.”
Ajala noted that reviewing and developing a new curriculum requires substantial financial resources and commended provosts and institutional leaders for supporting the process.
“The curriculum review process is expensive, but stakeholders have continued to support us because they believe in the vision.”
She also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for their commitment to educational reforms.
“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 permits colleges of education to award both NCE certificates and bachelor’s degrees, Ajala said the process would be phased.
“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 have already begun implementation, state-owned institutions would need legislative approval from their respective Houses of Assembly before joining the programme.
“Some colleges may eventually decide not to adopt the dual mandate and may choose to continue offering only the NCE. That option remains available.”
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education, Dr. Ademola Salami, described Ajala’s first 100 days in office as a significant turning point for teacher education in Nigeria.
According to him, her leadership has injected fresh momentum and direction into 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.”
Salami stressed the strategic importance of teacher education to national development, noting that teachers play a central role in shaping 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.”
He commended Ajala for fostering collaboration and ensuring stakeholders are actively involved 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.”
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Salami also praised the Commission’s focus on strengthening the teaching profession and expanding digital learning opportunities.
“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.”
He disclosed that work on the revised curriculum is already underway and will align with current global trends in 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.”
Also speaking, the Director of Information and Corporate Services, Arinze Ukeje, said Ajala’s first 100 days in office have been characterised by impactful engagements with stakeholders aimed at promoting collective responsibility for quality teacher education.
Ajala assumed office in March 2026 at a time when concerns over declining enrolment in colleges of education, teacher shortages and the quality of teacher preparation were mounting.
The NCCE, Nigeria’s regulatory body for colleges of education, is responsible for setting standards, accrediting programmes and coordinating teacher education nationwide.
Since assuming office, Ajala’s administration has focused on curriculum reform, digital transformation, teacher professionalisation, skills development and the implementation of the Colleges of Education Act 2023, which introduced the dual-mandate system.
Stakeholders in the education sector believe the reforms have the potential to revitalise colleges of education, improve learning outcomes and enhance the relevance and quality of teacher training across the country.