The Federal Government is set to introduce a competency-based digital curriculum across colleges of education nationwide as part of efforts to modernise teacher training and improve learning outcomes.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Dr Angela Ajala, disclosed the plan in Abuja while presenting her achievements during her first 100 days in office.
According to her, the initiative forms part of a broader reform agenda aimed at repositioning teacher education, improving the quality of graduates, and ensuring that future teachers are equipped with the digital and practical skills required in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Ajala said the commission is working closely with the National Universities Commission and other stakeholders to finalise a new curriculum that places greater emphasis on competencies, hands-on learning and technology-driven instruction, rather than traditional theory-based approaches.
The proposed curriculum is expected to support self-paced learning, remote teaching and digital access to educational resources, enabling students to continue learning regardless of their location.
She noted that the digital transformation agenda would ensure that teacher trainees develop the technological skills needed to thrive in modern classrooms while preparing learners for the demands of the global knowledge economy.
As part of the reforms, the NCCE is partnering with the National Information Technology Development Agency to strengthen digital literacy among teacher trainees and integrate technology into teacher preparation programmes.
Ajala also revealed that skills acquisition would become a core component of teacher education.
Under the new framework, graduates of colleges of education are expected to leave with practical skills alongside their academic qualifications, improving their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.
The NCCE boss said the reforms are designed to address longstanding concerns about the quality and relevance of teacher training in Nigeria while making the system more inclusive.
She disclosed that the commission is engaging persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to ensure that ongoing reforms promote equal access to education and remove barriers that have limited participation in the sector.
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 process would be phased to accommodate varying levels of institutional readiness.
She explained that while some federal colleges have already commenced implementation, state-owned institutions would need to secure the necessary legislative approvals before adopting the policy.
Despite the ambitious reforms, Ajala acknowledged that inadequate funding remains a major challenge.
She, however, expressed optimism that partnerships with development agencies, donor organisations and other stakeholders would help drive the transformation agenda.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education, Dr Ademola Salami, described the reforms as a significant step towards strengthening teacher education in Nigeria.
Salami said the ongoing curriculum review would incorporate entrepreneurship, digital pedagogy, practical training and other emerging trends in global education, ensuring that graduates are better prepared for contemporary teaching environments.
He commended the NCCE for engaging stakeholders throughout the reform process and expressed confidence that the changes would enhance the quality of teacher preparation across the country.
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 teacher training.
The NCCE, which regulates and accredits colleges of education in Nigeria, has identified curriculum reform, digital transformation, teacher professionalisation, skills acquisition and implementation of the Colleges of Education Act 2023 as key priorities under the current administration.
Education stakeholders believe the proposed reforms could help restore confidence in colleges of education, strengthen teacher preparation and produce graduates capable of meeting the demands of a technology-driven educational system.
