The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union has called for leadership continuity at the National Commission for Colleges of Education as the tenure of its Executive Secretary is set to end in March 2026.
The union urged the Federal Government to appoint a professional from within the Colleges of Education system as the next Executive Secretary, arguing that such a decision would sustain ongoing reforms and strengthen institutional stability.
In a statement signed Tuesday by its President, Dr. Lawan A. Lawan, COEASU commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for what it described as landmark contributions to the sector.
“His commitment to the full implementation of the Dual Mandate and his firm stance in protecting revitalisation funding for Colleges of Education have rekindled hope across our campuses and restored confidence in Nigeria’s teacher-training institutions,” the statement read.
The union noted that the reforms are consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on human capital development, improved education standards and institutional efficiency.
“Teacher education sits at the heart of this vision because no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers,” the union stated.
COEASU stressed that stability and credibility in leadership are crucial at this phase of reform implementation.
Referencing practices within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the union argued that regulatory bodies perform optimally when headed by professionals drawn from the institutions they oversee.
“Experience across Nigeria’s tertiary education system shows that regulatory bodies function best when led by professionals from within the sectors they supervise,” the statement said.
It cited examples from other segments of higher education, noting that the National Universities Commission has traditionally appointed Executive Secretaries from the university system, while the National Board for Technical Education has benefited from leadership with roots in the polytechnic sector.
“This practice has ensured insider understanding, stakeholder confidence, and policy continuity.
“It is therefore both proper and consistent with national precedent that the next Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education should come from the Colleges of Education sector,” COEASU stated.
According to the union, appointing a Colleges-of-Education professional would enhance implementation of the Dual Mandate Act, strengthen curriculum reforms, sustain revitalisation programmes and improve teacher education nationwide.
“Appointing a tested Colleges-of-Education professional will also be remembered as a defining milestone of the Honourable Minister’s tenure—a masterstroke that secures his legacy as the Minister who stabilised teacher education and strengthened Nigeria’s human capital foundation,” the statement added.
COEASU pledged its willingness to collaborate with government and relevant stakeholders to ensure reforms are effectively consolidated.
“COEASU stands ready to work constructively with government and other stakeholders to ensure that the next Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education possesses the experience, credibility, and insider understanding required to consolidate reforms and move teacher education forward in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the union said.
The union concluded by highlighting the broader implications of leadership choices in the teacher education sector.
“Nigeria’s future depends on the quality of its teachers. The stability of teacher education today will determine the strength of our universities, polytechnics, industries, and national economy tomorrow.
“We urge all stakeholders to support a decision that promotes continuity, fairness, and national development.”
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