Federal College of Education, Abeokuta officially commences degree awarding programmes

The Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, has commenced degree awarding programmes, a development which has now put an end to years of affiliations with other universities.

Penpushing reports that Provost of the institution, Dr Rafiu Soyele disclosed the cheering news on Thursday at a press conference, ahead of the institution 50th Founders’ Day Anniversary and its 26th Combined Convocation.

The Provost addressing journalists at the Council Chamber disclosed that the college has received approval to run 29-degree programmes adding that following this update the institution has already admitted over 400 prospective students across the newly approved courses.

Penpushing further reports that Soyele stated that the development followed a directive by the Federal Government mandating all Federal Colleges of Education accredited to award degrees to operate independently.

The Provost added that the college previously ran affiliated degree programmes with the University of Ibadan (UI), affirming that the partnership has been impactful and productive.

“We had affiliations with institutions such as the University of Ibadan, which produced about ten sets of graduates. However, a directive has been issued that all Colleges of Education mandated to commence degree programmes must operate independently. This is why affiliate centres no longer run 100-level programmes,” Soyele said.

Penpushing also reports that Soyole appreciated the University of Ibadan for its years of support, stressing that the collaboration produced thousands of well trained and qualified teachers who are contributing meaningfully to the education sector across the country.

The provost disclosed that a total of 2,361 students would graduate during the combined convocation for the 2022 2023 and 2023 2024 academic sessions, adding that 1,330 students would be graduating from the 2022 2023 session, while 1,031 students are from the 2023 2024 session.

Penpushing reports that he, however, called on parents and guardians to avoid enrolling their wards in affiliated degree programmes, encouraging them to take advantage of the college’s fully accredited independent degree programmes.

“For those pursuing doctoral programmes, options remain. But for degree programmes, the choice is clear. Study at Federal Colleges of Education. We have brilliant and qualified lecturers. For our degree programmes alone, we already have over 600 students, with more than 400 currently active in the system’, he added.

Penpushing further reports that he assured that the college is already adopting sustainable development models inspired by international best practices, adding that there will be proactive measures to address teething challenges.

“In the next three to four years, we may face pressure on space and facilities if proactive measures are not taken. This is why we are adopting models such as the German system, which emphasises planning, networking, phased expansion, and sustainability,” Soyele said.

Penpushing also reports that Soyele reaffirmed the college’s mission, emphasizing that teacher education remains central to national development, pointing out that the profession backbone of any progressive society.

The Provost declared that no nation can attain sustainable growth without investing heavily in teacher education and human capacity development, boasting that Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta currently has over 170 PhD holders across its departments.

Penpushing reports that Soyole, who stated that the college was established in 1975 ,as a Federal Advanced Teachers College, explaining that the development reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and global standards.

The Federal College of Education (FCE) Abeokuta is the first tertiary institution in Ogun State, which over the years,has expanded its programmes to include the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and specialised teacher training courses tailored to national manpower needs.

The Provost disclosed that activities lined up for the anniversary include the conferment of College and Fellowship Awards on distinguished Nigerians, which include Dr Abiola Afolabi-Akiyode (Chairperson Planning Committee of Penpushing Media)

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