COEASU to FG: Appoint next ES of NCCE from colleges of education

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union has called on the Federal Government to appoint a professional from within the Colleges of Education system as the next Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

The union said doing so would consolidate reforms and strengthen institutional stability.

The tenure of the current Executive Secretary of the commission will end next month.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Lawan Lawan, on Tuesday in Abuja, the union said appointing a Colleges-of-Education professional would deepen implementation of the Dual Mandate Act, strengthen curriculum development, sustain revitalisation initiatives, and improve the quality of teacher education nationwide.

“Appointing a tested Colleges-of-Education professional will also be remembered as a defining milestone of the Honourable Minister’s tenure—a masterstroke that secures his legacy as the Minister who stabilised teacher education and strengthened Nigeria’s human capital foundation,” the statement added.

It commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for what it described as historic contributions to the sector.

“His commitment to the full implementation of the Dual Mandate and his firm stance in protecting revitalisation funding for Colleges of Education have rekindled hope across our campuses and restored confidence in Nigeria’s teacher-training institutions,” the statement read.

COEASU noted that the reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development, quality education, and institutional efficiency.

“Teacher education sits at the heart of this vision because no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers,” the union stated.

The union emphasised that continuity, stability, and credibility in leadership are critical at this stage of reform.

Drawing comparisons across Nigeria’s tertiary education system, COEASU observed that regulatory agencies function most effectively when led by professionals from the sectors they supervise.

“Experience across Nigeria’s tertiary education system shows that regulatory bodies function best when led by professionals from within the sectors they supervise,” the statement said.

It cited examples of similar practices in other arms of tertiary education, noting that the National Universities Commission has consistently drawn its Executive Secretaries from the university system.

According to the statement, the National Board for Technical Education has also benefited from leadership rooted in the polytechnic sector.

“This practice has ensured insider understanding, stakeholder confidence, and policy continuity. It is therefore both proper and consistent with national precedent that the next Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education should come from the Colleges of Education sector,” COEASU stated.

COEASU pledged its readiness to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that reforms are consolidated and implemented effectively.

“COEASU stands ready to work constructively with government and other stakeholders to ensure that the next Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education possesses the experience, credibility, and insider understanding required to consolidate reforms and move teacher education forward in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the union said.

The union emphasised the broader national implications of leadership decisions in the teacher education sector.

“Nigeria’s future depends on the quality of its teachers. The stability of teacher education today will determine the strength of our universities, polytechnics, industries, and national economy tomorrow.

“We urge all stakeholders to support a decision that promotes continuity, fairness, and national development.”