ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, Angela Ajala, has warned that neglecting teacher education could undermine Nigeria’s long-term development, stressing that the quality of teachers directly influences the quality of every other profession.
Ajala made the remarks in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria on Tuesday, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by ECAN Secretary, Clement Idoko.
She emphasised the critical role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future workforce and leadership.
“If we get it wrong with a teacher, just know that Nigeria is finished. Every engineer, doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, politician and leader passes through the hands of a teacher.
READ ALSO:Ribadu, IGP, Gbajabiamila Visit Oyo Over Abducted Pupils
Teacher education lies at the heart of national development,” she declared.
The NCCE boss cautioned against the continued undervaluation of the teaching profession, noting that its significance is often overlooked despite its far-reaching impact on society.
“You can fix a faulty car. But when a teacher damages a child in the classroom, that damage can last a lifetime. Those children become the future professionals and leaders of society,” she stated.
Ajala also called for closer collaboration with the media to help improve public perception of teaching and support reforms aimed at strengthening teacher education.
“You are not just reporters; you are reformers.
“What you report shapes public opinion, influences policy conversations and changes mindsets. We need responsible reporting that reflects the true importance of teacher education,” she told the ECAN delegation.
She lamented what she described as the declining status of teachers in society.
“Something went wrong along the way. We moved from a society where teachers were highly respected to one where people say, ‘If you have nothing else to do, go and become a teacher.’ That narrative must change,” she said.
Addressing concerns over recent admission policy changes in Colleges of Education, Ajala defended the removal of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination requirement, insisting that the decision would not lower academic standards.
“What is UTME? It is a two-hour examination. It is not an achievement test. Decisions like these were not taken arbitrarily; they were based on evidence, data and projections about the future of teacher education in Nigeria,” she explained.
She further warned that the country could face a shortage of qualified teachers if enrolment in teacher-training institutions continues to decline.
“In some colleges, you find only about 30 students spread across 10 programmes. The attrition rate is alarming. If we do not act now, Nigeria may not have enough teachers in the near future,” Ajala cautioned.
On ongoing reforms, she said efforts were focused on improving the global competitiveness of graduates from Colleges of Education.
“Who else offers that opportunity? Colleges of Education are becoming institutions where students can earn multiple qualifications and acquire international skills that make them globally competitive,” she said.
Ajala added that curriculum reforms are being implemented to align teacher training with international standards.
“People often cite Finland, Singapore and other countries as models. When you compare their curricula with ours, you will find that Nigeria is not far behind. What we need is proper implementation and a change in perception,” she stated.
Earlier, ECAN Chairman Chucks Ukwuatu commended Ajala’s appointment as the first female Executive Secretary of the NCCE and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible education reporting.
The visit ended with both parties pledging deeper collaboration to strengthen teacher education and improve outcomes in Colleges of Education across the country.
The discussion comes amid growing concerns over the safety of schools, following the reported abduction of more than 40 teachers and students during an attack in the Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.