COEASU Slams FG's UTME Waiver for NCE Candidates, Cites Quality Concerns

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has raised an alarm over the Federal Government's recent decision to grant admission exemptions to candidates seeking entry into colleges of education.

On May 12, 2026, Lawal Bazza, the National President of COEASU, addressed a news conference in Abuja, expressing the union's concerns. According to him, the policy was announced without consulting critical stakeholders, including COEASU.

Major reforms affecting teacher education should involve critical stakeholders. The policy decisions must not undermine the quality of teacher training or the future of Nigeria's education system, even if efforts to increase enrollment into colleges of education are commendable.

The union leader emphasized that teacher education remains central to national development. He warned that lowering admission standards without proper consultation could have long-term implications for the quality of teachers produced in the country.

COEASU reaffirmed its support for ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening colleges of education. These reforms include the implementation of the Federal Colleges of Education Act 2023, which retains the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) as the minimum teaching qualification.

'We have stated that we were not consulted in the discussions that led to the development of this policy or shift. We are saying that whenever the government has a policy on ground and is mulling the idea, it must engage critical stakeholders and have a discussion, so that we understand the reason and why policies are being pronounced.'

The union has announced plans to engage in further discussions with the government. An emergency National Officers' Council meeting would be held to make a public statement on the union's position.

In addition to concerns over the UTME waiver, COEASU also raised issues regarding industrial relations in some colleges of education. Certain provosts punish lecturers for participating in legitimate union activities, according to Bazza.

COEASU acknowledged the appointment of Dr. Angela Ajala as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The union also revealed that it had signed a renegotiated agreement with the Federal Government after about 16 years.

The agreement includes a five-year training structure for student teachers under the dual-mandate arrangement. This structure aims to ensure all-round professional development for student teachers through stronger grounding in pedagogy and subject content.

Bazza commended Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, and Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education, for their efforts toward implementing the Act. He appreciated their roles in this regard.

COEASU also expressed concern over poor salary structures in several state-owned Colleges of Education. The union warned that continued payment of what it termed 'peanuts' could threaten industrial peace.

The union president urged the federal government to engage states to ensure full implementation of agreements reached with education unions nationwide.