- Public hearing scheduled for February 25, 2025, in Abuja to discuss bills amending the Federal Colleges of Education Act
- Proposed bills to establish 10 new federal colleges of education across Nigeria
- Key stakeholders from government, educational organisations, and the public invited to participate
The House of Representatives has called for a one-day public hearing to review 10 legislative bills aimed at amending the Federal Colleges of Education Act and establishing new federal colleges of education across Nigeria.
The hearing, organised by the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, was scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM. It will take place in Conference Room 231, Second Floor, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., Spokesman for the House of Representatives, announced in a statement on Sunday, February 23.
Rep Tanko calls for action to improve teacher education system
Rep. Adamu Tanko, Chairman of the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, emphasised the need for legislative action to improve Nigeria's teacher education system. He noted the significance of such interventions in ensuring a more robust educational foundation for the country.
He said, “Education remains the backbone of national development, and the training of qualified teachers is essential for sustainable progress.
“These bills propose the establishment of new federal colleges of education and the amendment of existing laws to improve teacher training across the country.”
“We invite all relevant stakeholders to actively participate in this public hearing, as their contributions will help shape the future of education in Nigeria,” Tanko added.
House calls for participation in hearing to strengthen teacher’s education
The public hearing will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, the National Teachers’ Institute, relevant state and local governments, non-governmental organisations in the education sector, and the general public.
The House of Representatives has called on all interested parties to participate in the hearing to ensure a thorough review of the proposed bills, to strengthen Nigeria's teacher education system.
The proposed bills were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s educational framework by enhancing teacher education through the establishment of new institutions and amendments to existing laws.
New federal colleges of education in Kwara, Edo, Osun, others
The bills to be reviewed are: A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2004, to Establish Federal College of Education, Suleja, Niger State, and for Related Matters (HB.1803).
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education, Ijesha, Lagos State, and for Related Matters (HB.355).
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education, Oyin Akoko, Ondo State, and for Related Matters (HB.1600).
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Establish Federal College of Education, Oke Oyi, Kwara State, and for Related Matters (HB.833).
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, No. 43, 2003, to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical), Ogute Okpella, Edo State, and for Related Matters (HB.912).
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, No. 43, to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical), Uzebba-Iuleha, Edo State, and for Related Matters (HB.1852).
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education, Afon, Kwara State, and for Related Matters (HB.593).
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education, Ibidep, Ibiono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, and for Related Matters (HB.972).
A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical), Ile-Ife, Osun State, and for Related Matters (HB.438).
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical), Faskari, Katsina State, and for Related Matters (HB.1412).
“For further information, please contact the Committee Clerk at 08023076065 or 08097521332,” it added.
FG plans conversion of colleges of education to universities, says minister
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government was considering converting all federal colleges of education into universities of education due to declining enrollment.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasised the need for the transition, citing the inefficiency of the current model and comparisons with advanced countries.