In a bold move aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing educational needs, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday spotlighted the urgent need for additional Colleges of Education to meet the demands of the country’s rapidly increasing population. Speaking at a public hearing in Abuja organized by the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, Abbas argued that the current number of educational institutions—205 federal, state, and private colleges—falls short when weighed against Nigeria’s population of 230 million people, with over 60% under the age of 24.
Abbas, an advocate for human capital development, emphasized the critical role of education in propelling national progress. “Human capital is the key driver of development,” he stated, noting that while material resources are essential, they can only reach their potential when paired with a skilled, educated workforce. He went on to stress that education is at the heart of this, particularly through the production of well-trained teachers to serve in primary and secondary schools across the country.
The proposed establishment of 10 new Federal Colleges of Education seeks to address the inadequacy of existing institutions and improve access to quality teacher education, especially in underserved regions. Abbas made it clear that the current number of colleges, though seemingly substantial, is far from sufficient given the rapid population growth and the youth-driven demand for education. He called for legislative support for the bills before the committee, which aim to create these new colleges across the country, ensuring an equitable distribution of educational resources.
Beyond teacher training, the Speaker highlighted that these new institutions would contribute to research, foster educational development, create jobs, and stimulate socio-economic growth in their host communities. He urged the public and lawmakers alike to recognize the far-reaching benefits these colleges would bring not only to the education sector but also to national integration and community empowerment.
Echoing Abbas’s sentiments, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, Hon. Wakili Boya, reinforced the importance of expanding access to quality education as a cornerstone of national development. Boya underscored that the establishment of these new colleges would address the gaps in teacher training and build the skilled workforce essential for Nigeria’s progress.
This public hearing provided a platform for diverse stakeholders, including education experts, policymakers, and the general public, to engage in robust discussions on the bills. Boya encouraged constructive dialogue, emphasizing the need to refine the proposed legislation to align it with the nation’s long-term educational goals.
The commitment to establishing 10 new Federal Colleges of Education marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s educational landscape. As the nation works towards building a sustainable future, the need for skilled educators and accessible, high-quality teacher education has never been more pressing. The proposed colleges represent a significant step forward in bridging the gap between education and national development, ensuring that the next generation of Nigerians is equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive the country forward.
