Nigeria to introduce competency-based digital curriculum for colleges of education

This initiative aims to enhance teacher education, producing digitally skilled and globally competitive educators. The reforms, unveiled during her first 100 days in office, focus on curriculum modernization, digital transformation, skills acquisition, inclusive education, and the dual-mandate policy. Ajala emphasized that the new curriculum, developed in collaboration with the National Universities Commission and other stakeholders, will prioritize practical skills and digital learning over excessive theory.

It will support self-paced learning, remote teaching, and technology-enabled instruction, ensuring learning continuity regardless of location. The NCCE is also partnering with the National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA to integrate digital literacy into teacher preparation. Additionally, skills acquisition will be a key component, enabling graduates to obtain a skills certificate, an NCE qualification, and potentially a degree.

Ajala defended ongoing reforms to the Nigeria Certificate in Education NCE, stating they are necessary to reposition teacher education and promote inclusive access. She acknowledged funding as a major challenge but highlighted partnerships with development agencies. Dr. Ademola Salami, Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Federal