COEASU Urges Nigeria to Appoint Colleges of Education Professional as NCCE Executive Secretary
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has called on the federal government to appoint a professional from within the Colleges of Education sector as the next Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The appeal comes as the current Executive Secretary, Professor Paulinus Okwelle, whose tenure expires in March 2026, prepares to leave office. COEASU argues Nigeria is at a critical juncture in teacher education reforms and requires stability in the leadership of the regulatory body overseeing Colleges of Education. According to the NCCE Act, the Executive Secretary must have experience in teacher education. The current appointee holds a Bachelor's in Technical Education and a Master's in Industrial Technical Education, with a career spanning multiple Colleges of Education institutions. The union contends regulatory agencies function best when led by professionals from within their sectors, citing precedents set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). They believe appointing a Colleges of Education professional would consolidate reforms, deepen the Dual Mandate, strengthen curriculum development, and sustain revitalisation efforts. COEASU praised Education Minister Tunji Alausa's contributions to the sector, including implementing the Dual Mandate and protecting revitalisation funds, aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda prioritising human capital development. The union pledged to work with the government to ensure the next NCCE Executive Secretary possesses the required experience and credibility.