Neglect of teacher education threatens Nigeria’s future — NCCE boss

NCCE Boss Angela Ajala and the ECAN Delegates.. Photo credit: ECAN.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, Angela Ajala, has cautioned that continued neglect of teacher education could have far-reaching consequences for national development. Ajala made the remarks in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria on Tuesday, according to a statement signed by ECAN Secretary, Clement Idoko, on Wednesday. She stressed that the quality of teachers ultimately determines the strength of every other profession in the country. “If we get it wrong with a teacher, just know that Nigeria is finished. Every engineer, doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, politician and leader passes through the hands of a teacher. Teacher education lies at the heart of national development,” she declared. She warned against the persistent undervaluing of the teaching profession, arguing that its impact on society is often underestimated despite its central role in shaping future leaders. “You can fix a faulty car. But when a teacher damages a child in the classroom, that damage can last a lifetime. Those children become the future professionals and leaders of society,” the NCCE boss stated. Ajala also urged stronger collaboration with the media to change public perception of teaching and support ongoing reforms in the sector. “You are not just reporters; you are reformers. “What you report shapes public opinion, influences policy conversations and changes mindsets. We need responsible reporting that reflects the true importance of teacher education,” she told the ECAN delegation. She lamented what she described as the decline in respect for teachers over the years. “Something went wrong along the way. We moved from a society where teachers were highly respected to one where people say, ‘If you have nothing else to do, go and become a teacher.’ That narrative must change,” she said. Related News Delta teachers protest against insecurity, demand release of abducted colleagues Women, youths deserve greater opportunities in governance — Gombe gov aspirant Yahaya-Kaltho Kebbi gov unveils plans to review primary school teachers’ salaries Defending recent policy changes affecting admissions into Colleges of Education, she dismissed concerns that removing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination requirement would lower standards. The NCCE boss explained, “What is UTME? It is a two-hour examination. It is not an achievement test. Decisions like these were not taken arbitrarily; they were based on evidence, data a