The Federal Government has reinforced its position that education drives national development, pledging to overhaul teacher training programmes as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Dr.
Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the education minister, made this declaration on Friday at the Federal College of Education (FCE) in Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, during the institution's 34th combined convocation ceremony.
Speaking through Dr. Uchenna Cecilia Uba, director of colleges of education, Alausa praised the outgoing provost, Prof.
Pauline Ngozi Ikwuegbu, for steering significant infrastructure and academic improvements at the college. "The infrastructure here is outstanding and reflects significant progress in academic advancement and institutional development," he said.
The minister highlighted the Dual Mandate Policy Programme as a key reform strategy. The policy now allows federal colleges of education to award both Nigerian Certificates in Education and bachelor's degrees in education.
Alausa commended the college's governing council led by Ambassador Prince Melu-Bari Akekue, alongside staff, students, alumni and development partners. He urged graduating students to uphold professional ethics and serve as worthy ambassadors of their institution.
Enugu State government also backed the college's efforts in developing teachers and human capital. Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah, represented by Dr.
Chinyere Onyeisi, his special adviser on education innovation, called the convocation both a celebration of academic success and recognition of the college's legacy.
Mbah noted that FCE Eha-Amufu holds a crucial place in Nigeria's educational landscape. "Through its commitment to excellence, the college has contributed immensely to building generations of educators who continue to shape minds and transform communities," Onyeisi told the gathering on his behalf.
Akekue, the council chairman, described the convocation as marking academic excellence and institutional progress. He credited the achievements to contributions from staff, students, alumni, stakeholders and development partners working together.
Akekue revealed that the governing council played vital roles in executing the Dual Mandate Policy. The council also strengthened institutional governance through transparent recruitment of principal officers and forged deeper partnerships with key stakeholders, he added.
The chairman expressed confidence in the college's future direction and continued growth. The convocation ceremony awarded Nigerian Certificates in Education and degree certificates to graduates of the institution.
