FG Calls for Curriculum Review in Colleges of Education to Improve Teacher Quality
The Federal Government has called for a comprehensive review of the curriculum in Nigeria’s colleges of education to enhance the quality of teachers produced for the nation’s schools. The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, made this appeal in Abuja during the launch of a workshop for master trainers on Strengthening Teachers’ English Proficiency (STEP) and Digital Literacy, organized by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in partnership with the British Council.
Dr. Sununu highlighted ongoing reforms in the colleges of education system, which now includes the concurrent running of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programs. He stressed the urgent need for a curriculum overhaul to ensure the production of a new cadre of qualified teachers.
Expressing concerns about the current quality of teachers, Sununu emphasized the importance of teachers’ pedagogical, communicative, and digital skills in determining students’ learning outcomes. He stated, “Education in all its forms and at all levels is not only an end in itself but is also one of the most powerful instruments we have for bringing about the changes required to achieve growth and sustainable development.”
Sununu further advocated for an education system that empowers all citizens to make decisions and act in ways that are culturally appropriate and locally relevant, to address the challenges threatening the nation’s future.
The Executive Secretary of the NCCE, Professor Paulinus Chijioke, echoed these sentiments, lamenting reports of poor communication skills among some NCE graduates. He underscored the responsibility of the commission to ensure that teachers are proficient in the use of language, as effective communication is crucial for impacting learners positively.
Professor Chijioke explained that the workshop participants, who are master trainers, would be equipped with new skills to disseminate to others upon their return to their respective colleges. He emphasized the ongoing need to upskill teachers in English language proficiency, stating, “We want teachers to effectively use English, which is the medium of communication in the educational sector, both in delivery and assessment.”
The workshop also aimed to promote digital literacy among teachers, enhancing their ability to facilitate the curriculum effectively. Professor Chijioke expressed confidence that the training would improve learning outcomes, as pre-service teachers would be equipped with new techniques, approaches, and pedagogy to transform their teaching methods.
“With this training, the quality of learner outcomes will surely improve,” he added, affirming the government’s commitment to raising the standard of education across the country.
