Neglect of teacher education threatens Nigeria's future, says NCCE Executive Secretary
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Angela Ajala, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education NCCE, warned that continued neglect of teacher education poses a significant threat to national development. Speaking in Abuja during a visit by the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria ECAN, Ajala emphasized that the quality of teachers underpins the strength of all other professions. She highlighted that every professional, from engineers to politicians, passes through a teacher's hands, making teacher education central to national progress. Ajala cautioned against undervaluing the teaching profession, stating that its societal impact is often underestimated despite its crucial role in shaping future leaders. She urged stronger media collaboration to change public perception of teaching and support ongoing reforms. Ajala lamented the decline in respect for teachers, advocating for a narrative shift. She defended recent policy changes, including removing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination requirement for admissions into Colleges of Education, explaining that these decisions were data-driven and not arbitrary. Ajala also warned of a looming teacher shortage if enrollment in teacher training institutions does not improve, noting that some colleges have very few students across multiple programs. She stated that reforms aim to enhance the global competitiveness of graduates from Colleges of Education and align curriculum with international best practices. ECAN chairman,
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Must ReadUS President Donald Trump confirmed a tense phone conversation with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he reportedly used expletives. When asked about telling Netanyahu, "Are you f-ing crazy? What are you f-ing doing? I helped you stay out of jail," Trump responded, "I did." He added that he was "a little bit perturbed at his constantly faighting with Lebanon" and told him, "Bibi, we gotta stop this." Trump stated he has a "very good relationship" with Netanyahu and likes him "a lot." The tirade reportedly occurred over Israel's threats to bomb Beirut, which Trump feared would undermine talks with Tehran to end the war in the Middle East. This exchange highlights the strained relationship between the two leaders, whose attack on Iran in late February escalated into Israel striking Lebanon. Israeli media have disputed this account of the conversation. A White House official directed AFP to Trump's social media posts where he thanked Netanyahu for an agreement to withdraw troops from Beirut, as Iran had reportedly paused peace talks due to Israel's actions in Lebanon.
Benfica midfielder Christy Ucheibe and Al-Ittihad forward Francisca Ordega have joined the Super Falcons camp in Ikenne, Ogun State, for Nigeria’s upcoming two-legged friendly matches against Senegal. They arrived on Wednesday morning with Glory Ogbonna, Blessing Nkor, Comfort Erhabor, and Sikiratu Isah. Eight other players, including Joy Omewa, Tosin Demehin, Toni Payne, Blessing Ilivieda, Folashade Ijamilusi, Anderline Mgbechi, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, and Omorinsola Babajide, arrived on Tuesday evening. These new arrivals join early attendees Shukurat Oladipo, Kafayat Shittu, and six-time CAF Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, bringing the total number of players in camp to 17. The Super Falcons will play both matches against Senegal at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne. These friendlies are part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON in Morocco, where they aim for an 11th WAFCON title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. More players and officials are expected to join the camp.
Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State protested the ongoing captivity of 16 worshippers abducted by gunmen on April 28 from a Christ Apostolic Church. The community raised and paid N10.5 million in ransom, but the victims, including women and two young boys, remain held after 36 days. The kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion, then N150 million, and later N50 million. After receiving the N10.5 million, along with food items, fuel, and other provisions, the abductors are now demanding an additional N50 million. Protesters appealed to the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government, and security agencies for intervention, highlighting the trauma endured by the victims, who include young children and an elderly woman. They also called for improved security infrastructure in the area, such as a functional divisional police headquarters, forest guards, and a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border, citing the community's vulnerability due to inadequate security.
The ruling All Progressives Congress APC experienced further defections in the House of Representatives as two lawmakers formally announced their departure from the party. This development follows the National Assembly's resumption after a recess, during which political actors engaged in consultations and strategic repositioning for the 2027 general elections. Rabilu Bala, representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, defected from the APC to the Peoples Redemption Party PRP. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read Bala's letter, which cited persistent internal disagreements within the APC and the need for a platform to better serve his constituents. Abubakar Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, also announced his resignation from the APC and defection to the ADC, citing his conscience and the broader national interest. Additionally, Abdullahi, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, also defected from the APC to the ADC. These defections contribute to a growing trend of political movements as politicians prepare for the 2027 elections. Despite the APC maintaining majorities in both chambers of the National Assembly, these events highlight underlying tensions within some state chapters regarding internal democracy, leadership structures, and succession. The PRP, one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties, is working to rebuild its presence in northern Nig