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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Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal is set to play in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, having scored in every major final of his professional career. The 29-year-old has found the net in all six of his senior career finals and has the chance to score another decisive goal when Spain faces Argentina in New York New Jersey. FIFA reports that Oyarzabal is bidding to become the first Spain player to score six goals at a single World Cup and no other Spain player has achieved two braces in one World Cup. His 30 international goals are still short of David Villa’s national record of 59, but he has broken the record for most goals by a Spain forward in a single season with 14. Oyarzabal has scored in two Copa del Rey finals with Real Sociedad, two UEFA Nations League finals, a UEFA EURO final, and an Olympic final. His latest World Cup goal came from a penalty in Spain’s semi-final victory over France. While Oyarzabal has scored in all six finals, his teams have a 4–2 record in those matches, with two losses despite his goals. His victories include the 2019/20 Copa del Rey, EURO 2024, 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, and 2025/26 Copa del Rey. His defeats were in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League.
Mrs. Dim Ebere, a 47-year-old teacher, has voluntarily reported to the Neni Police Station in Anambra State. She is the principal suspect in the alleged death of a 12-year-old boy who reportedly died from injuries sustained during a flogging incident at a school in Adazi-Enu, Anaocha Local Government Area. The Anambra State Police Command had launched a manhunt for Mrs. Ebere, and she surrendered following sustained operations by the command’s Safe School Protection Squad, in collaboration with officers from the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters and engagement with community leaders. Mrs. Ebere is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further investigation. The police command has assured the public that justice will be served and urged calm, requesting continued cooperation with ongoing investigations.
Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has taken an early lead in the Nigerian Bar Association NBA presidential election. Early results show Badejo-Okusanya with 4,860 votes, or 41.77% of ballots counted. Her closest competitor, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe SAN, received 3,851 votes 33.10%, while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN garnered 2,924 votes 25.13%. If this trend continues, she could become the association's first female president. This development follows NBA President Afam Osigwe SAN dismissing allegations of attempting to rig or interfere in the election. Osigwe stated that the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association operates independently and denied backing any candidate, calling such claims politically motivated. These remarks address weeks of controversy and questions regarding the integrity of the election process, which the association has consistently denied, asserting that only the Electoral Committee is constitutionally empowered to conduct the election.