Existing Colleges of Education inadequate for Nigeria’s population — Speaker Abbas

•excited over proposed 10 federal colleges of education

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday underscored the need for the establishment of more Colleges of Education in the bid to meet the country’s 230 million population.

Abbas who stated this in Abuja during the public hearing organised by the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, observed that the existing 205 federal, state and privately-owned colleges of education remain inadequate.

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He said: “On several occasions, I have noted that human capital is the key driver of development. Material resources, though important, will remain latent until they are activated and galvanized by human knowledge, skills and innovation for national development, social mobility and economic empowerment.

“Of course, at the core of human capital development is education, and one way to sustain education is through the ceaseless production of well-trained and highly skilled teachers for primary and secondary education. It is pertinent, therefore, that we continue to strengthen teacher education in Nigeria by expanding access to quality institutions that will train the next generation of educators.

“Currently, Nigeria has about 205 federal, state and privately-owned colleges of education. On face value, this number looks substantial.

“However, when considered against the backdrop of Nigeria’s population of about 230 million, with over 60% under the age of 24 years, the demand for education makes the number of existing Colleges of Education in Nigeria quite insignificant.

“Therefore, these bills seeking to establish 10 Colleges of Education should be seen as relevant, appropriate and justified.

“The bills under consideration today reflect our collective commitment as lawmakers to ensuring that every region of our country has equitable access to quality teacher education.

“The establishment of new Federal Colleges of Education will not only improve the training of professional teachers but will also foster educational development, create employment opportunities, and stimulate socio-economic growth in the host communities.

“The House recognises the urgent need to expand access to quality teacher education, especially in underserved regions.

“These bills before the Committee today represent a significant step in ensuring equitable distribution of educational institutions, fostering national integration, and promoting human capital development.

“The proposed Federal Colleges of Education will not only train future teachers but also contribute to research, innovation, and the socio-economic growth of their host communities.”

In his address, Chairman, House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, Hon. Wakili Boya who underscored the importance of education in national development.

He said: “Education remains the bedrock of national development, and as representatives of the people, we are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their location or socio-economic background, has access to quality teacher education.

“The establishment of new Federal Colleges of Education is a critical step in addressing the gaps in teacher training, strengthening our education sector, and building the skilled workforce ne d d to drive national progress.

“Today’s public hearing provides an opportunity for robust engagement among key stakeholders, including policymakers, education experts, community leaders, and members of the public. It is a platform to deliberate on the merits of these bills, assess their potential impact, and refine them to ensure they align with national goals and international best practices.

“Public hearings serve as a vital mechanism in the legislative process, allowing stakeholders to contribute to the refinement of proposed legislation. Today’s deliberations provide an opportunity for education experts, policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public to share their insights and perspectives. It is through such engagements that we ensure the bills we pass are people oriented, comprehensive, impactful, and aligned with the best interests of our people.

“As we proceed, I encourage all participants to contribute constructively, offering insights and recommendations that will help shape these bills for the benefit of our education system and ultimately, our nation’s future.