Neglect of teacher education threatens Nigeria’s future, NCCE boss

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has issued a stark warning: the continued neglect of teacher education poses a significant threat to Nigeria's future development. Angela Ajala, the NCCE's Executive Secretary, emphasized that the quality of teachers is the bedrock upon which all other professions and the nation's progress are built.

“

If we get it wrong with a teacher, just know that Nigeria is finished. Every engineer, doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, politician and leader passes through the hands of a teacher. Teacher education lies at the heart of national development

"If we get it wrong with a teacher, just know that Nigeria is finished," Ajala declared during a visit from the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN). She underscored the profound impact teachers have, stating, "Every engineer, doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, politician and leader passes through the hands of a teacher. Teacher education lies at the heart of national development."

“

You can fix a faulty car. But when a teacher damages a child in the classroom, that damage can last a lifetime. Those children become the future professionals and leaders of society

Ajala lamented the declining respect for the teaching profession, contrasting the past, when teachers were highly esteemed, with the present narrative that often suggests teaching is a last resort. "Something went wrong along the way. We moved from a society where teachers were highly respected to one where people say, ‘If you have nothing else to do, go and become a teacher.’ That narrative must change," she urged.

“

You are not just reporters; you are reformers. What you report shapes public opinion, influences policy conversations and changes mindsets. We need responsible reporting that reflects the true importance of teacher education

She also addressed reforms in teacher education admissions, dismissing concerns that removing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement would lower standards. Ajala described UTME as a "two-hour examination" and not an "achievement test," asserting that policy changes are data-driven. However, she cautioned about a looming teacher shortage if enrollment in teacher training institutions does not increase, noting alarmingly low student numbers in some colleges.

“

Something went wrong along the way. We moved from a society where teachers were highly respected to one where people say, ‘If you have nothing else to do, go and become a teacher.’ That narrative must change