The survival of Nigeria’s Federal Colleges of Education is fast becoming a subject of national concern. These institutions, established to train the teachers who shape our children’s future, are now struggling under the weight of neglect and systemic challenges. A case in point is the Federal College of Education, Okene (FCE Okene), once a pride of teacher training in the North-Central region.
The challenges are daunting. Funding remains grossly inadequate, forcing staff at some point to tax themselves just to keep things running. Student enrollment is on a steady decline, as many young Nigerians shy away from the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) due to the limited job opportunities for graduates. Worse still, students at FCE Okene face an academic burden that is almost unbearable—between 15 to 18 courses in a single semester. The outcome is predictable: fatigue, poor performance, and waning motivation.
Yet, the story of FCE Okene does not have to end in decline. With bold reforms, the college and others like it can be repositioned for relevance. The curriculum must be reviewed to reduce overload and incorporate practical, skill-based learning. Partnerships with private sector players and development agencies can ease the funding burden. Most importantly, we must change the narrative about teacher education. If we truly believe that no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers, then restoring dignity, incentives, and employability to the teaching profession is non-negotiable.
The survival of FCE Okene is not just about keeping one institution alive—it is about the future of teacher education in Nigeria. A future without trained and motivated teachers is one where the foundation of national development is fatally weakened. Nigeria cannot afford that.
– Prince Emani Salami
