Otamere Gladness 
Executive Secretary, NCCE, Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) launches a nationwide modernisation drive, combining a major technology upgrade with a comprehensive curriculum overhaul designed to strengthen teacher education and raise academic standards across Nigeria.
Executive Secretary, Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle announced the initiative in Abuja on Friday, explaining that the Commission is investing in digital infrastructure, global partnerships and skills development for lecturers. “We have partnered with many development organisations to upgrade technology as a means of delivery,” he says.
He highlights NCCE’s collaboration with Huawei, which now operates an academy for lecturers and students in selected colleges. The Commission is also working with UNESCO to train teachers on digital pedagogy. “Through UNESCO, we have been upskilling lecturers on the use of technology in lesson delivery,” he notes, saying the new tools will significantly improve teaching and learning.
Funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) provides the financial backbone for the upgrades, enabling colleges to adopt modern devices, platforms and digital teaching models. Prof Okwelle, a Professor of Industrial Technology Education, acknowledges TETFund’s support as “instrumental”.
Simultaneously, the NCCE has begun a full curriculum review, following its regular five-year cycle. “We are reviewing our curriculum. The last one was in 2020, so we are now updating it,” he explains. The revised framework will integrate international best practices and new trends in teacher education.
A major feature of the review is the infusion of entrepreneurial training across all subjects. “We believe that in every course, you can become an entrepreneur,” he says. “Even as an English teacher, you can develop entrepreneurial opportunities.”
According to him, lecturers are now being trained to embed innovation, creativity and practical skills in their teaching. “We want students to thrive professionally beyond government employment,” he emphasises.
The NCCE says the combined reforms will strengthen teacher preparation and improve education outcomes nationwide.
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