PROFESSOR DAYO FADUYILE, OON (PDF), LEADS COMMITTEE OF CHAIRMEN TO MEET WITH EDUCATION MINISTER, AS FEDERAL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION RECEIVE BOOST
The Committee of Chairmen of Governing Councils of Federal Colleges of Education, led by Professor Francis Adedayo Faduyile, OON (PDF), yesterday met with the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, to discuss critical issues affecting the teacher education sector in Nigeria.
The meeting kicked off with a call for harmony among council members by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Hamad. This set the tone for a productive discussion, which was dominated by issues of skills acquisition for industries where professionals are in high demand.
In his opening remarks, Professor Faduyile expressed his appreciation to the Minister for the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue. “We are here today to reaffirm our commitment to the development of teacher education in Nigeria,” he stated. “We believe that our colleges play a vital role in shaping the future of our nation, and we are eager to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure that they receive the necessary support to thrive.”
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, emphasized the importance of skills acquisition, announcing that in the revised curriculum, 80% of learning time will be spent on practical training, while 20% will focus on theoretical training. This shift in focus is expected to better equip students with the skills required by industries.
The committee presented a comprehensive memorandum highlighting several key areas of concern, including the resumption of stalled renegotiation of the COEASU-FGN 2010 agreement, review of outsourced services, takeoff grants for newly established colleges, and the release of outstanding revitalization funds. Other pressing issues discussed included the implementation of the Dual Mandate, funding for practical training, laboratories, and demonstration schools, as well as adequate funding for Governing Councils and staff training and research.
The Minister assured the committee of the government’s commitment to supporting the development of Federal Colleges of Education. He pledged to work collaboratively with the committee to address the challenges facing the colleges and ensure that they receive the necessary support to produce high-quality teachers for Nigeria’s educational system.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in the committee’s efforts to promote the development of Federal Colleges of Education. With the Ministry’s support, the committee is optimistic that the colleges will receive the necessary support to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s educational sector.