By NWAFOR AZINGE

Asagba Azinge Backs NCCE’s New Five-Year Teacher Education Reform

THE Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMIC, LLD (HC), KSJI, KSG, has expressed strong support for the National Commission for Colleges of Education’s (NCCE) new five-year teacher education reform.

The monarch spoke when the NCCE Executive Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Angela Ajala, led Provosts of Colleges of Education from the South-South geopolitical zone on a visit to the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba on September 24, 2026.

The delegation briefed the monarch on the reforms recently approved for Colleges of Education across the country and sought his support for advocacy and community mobilisation.

Five-Year Programme Replaces Three-Year NCE

Under the new model, students enrolling in Colleges of Education from September 2026 will no longer undertake the traditional three-year Nigeria Certificate in Education programme.

Instead, they will undergo a five-year integrated programme designed to award three qualifications: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), and a Skill Acquisition Certificate.

Ajala said the reform represents a fundamental transformation of teacher education in Nigeria.

She explained that the inclusion of skills development was designed to give graduates opportunities beyond classroom teaching.

According to her, graduates who eventually choose not to practise as teachers would still be able to earn a living from the skills acquired during their training and potentially become employers of labour.

Asagba Describes Reform as Long Overdue

Azinge welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major change in the narrative surrounding Colleges of Education.

The monarch said the previous structure had made it increasingly difficult to clearly define what young people were expected to achieve through Colleges of Education and how their achievements could be measured.

He commended the NCCE Executive Secretary, the Minister of Education and other stakeholders involved in developing the new framework.

Azinge, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the reform demonstrated foresight and a recognition of changing global educational demands.

He particularly welcomed the skills component, describing it as a potential game-changer in the fight against unemployment.

‘Without Teachers, There Is No Hope’

The Asagba stressed the central role of teachers in national development, saying no society could build a sustainable future without properly trained educators.

He also pledged to support the NCCE’s advocacy efforts within Asaba Kingdom.

“I am confident that the new approach you have adopted will sell and market the Colleges of Education and I will gladly support by leading advocacy in my community,” he said.

The monarch further noted that combining teacher training with entrepreneurship could provide graduates with an additional pathway to economic independence.

NCCE Seeks Royal Advocacy

Earlier, Ajala appealed to the Asagba to use his influence to promote the new programme and encourage young people in the community to consider Colleges of Education.

She also commended the monarch for his educational initiatives in Asaba, particularly the construction of a smart school, describing his reign as one associated with human-capital development.

Ajala urged the monarch to consider supporting teacher education through scholarships and other interventions.

She said well-trained teachers were essential to the success of every other profession because teachers provide the foundation upon which other professions are built.

Communication & Community Sensitisation

Azinge, however, said successful implementation would require sustained communication and advocacy.

He urged the NCCE leadership to take the lead in explaining the reforms to the public through television, radio, social media and other communication platforms.

According to him, stronger public awareness would help communities understand the opportunities available under the new programme and enhance the visibility of Colleges of Education.

The meeting subsequently featured discussions on scholarship opportunities, community sensitisation and possible collaboration between the Palace and Colleges of Education across the South-South.

The engagement ended with the Asagba invoking the blessings of Asaba Kingdom on Ajala and the visiting Provosts and wishing them success in their assignment.

Provosts from Federal and State Colleges of Education across the six South-South states attended the meeting.