The Nigeria Union of Teachers has opposed the Federal Government’s proposal to exempt candidates seeking admission into the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The union warned that such a move could lower the quality and standard of teacher education in the country.
Speaking in Abuja during a teachers’ workshop organised by 21st Century in collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, NUT National President Audu Amba argued that colleges of education should not be treated as second-choice institutions compared to universities.
Amba expressed concern that many outstanding students now prefer universities, while colleges of education are increasingly seen as alternatives for candidates unable to secure university admission. According to him, the trend could negatively affect the future quality of teachers in Nigeria.
He maintained that the teaching profession should attract some of the country’s brightest students and insisted that colleges of education must not become fallback options for unsuccessful university applicants.
“Why can’t we insist that those seeking admission into Colleges of Education to become future teachers should rank among the highest scorers in UTME?” he asked.
“Colleges of Education are not dumping grounds. Ideally, they should admit the best candidates, but sadly, many people are only advised to ‘manage’ NCE after failing to gain university admission,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Ronke Soyombo, Registrar of the TRCN, stressed the need for teachers to strengthen their digital and professional competencies to meet the demands of modern education and the evolving global economy.