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Reps Push for More Colleges Of Education to Strengthen Nigeria’s Education Sector
The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has stated that despite the 205 colleges of education which included federal, state, and privately owned is insufficient to address the country’s educational needs.
Speaking at a public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Speaker emphasised that the rising demand for education in Nigeria makes it necessary to establish more colleges of education.
The Speaker who noted that human capital is the foundation of any society’s development, explained that while material resources are valuable, they remain untapped unless harnessed through human knowledge, skills, and innovation to drive national progress, social mobility, and economic growth.
He further stressed that education was central to human capital development, and a key way to sustain the education system was by continuously producing well-trained and highly skilled teachers for primary and secondary schools.
“To achieve this, we must strengthen teacher education in Nigeria by expanding access to quality institutions that will equip the next generation of educators,” he said.
Speaker Abbas added that the bills under review demonstrate the lawmakers’ collective commitment to ensuring that all regions of the country have fair access to quality teacher education.
According to Abbas, public hearings are a crucial part of the legislative process, giving opportunity for stakeholders to refine proposed bills, and that the discussions would help lawmakers better understand the education sector’s needs and expectations.
He reiterated the commitment of the House to inclusive governance and values stakeholder engagement, and encouraged policymakers, education experts, community leaders, and the public to actively participate by offering insights that could shape policies to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
Chairman of the House Committee on Colleges of Education, Rep. Adamu Tanko, reaffirmed that education remains the foundation of national development, and assured that the House was committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality teacher education.
Tanko further highlighted that establishing new federal colleges of education is key to addressing gaps in teacher training, improving the education sector, and building a skilled workforce to drive national development.
He noted that the public hearing provides a platform for policymakers, education experts, and community leaders to engage in meaningful discussions.
House Leader and sponsor of ten related bills, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, expressed concern over the shortage of qualified teachers in many schools across the country. He stressed the urgency of establishing more teacher training institutions to meet the demand for skilled educators.
Rep. Anamero Dekeri, who is sponsoring a bill to establish the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Ogute-Oke, Okpella, highlighted the importance of technical education in driving national development. Representing Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo State, he stated that the proposed institution would harness the area’s potential and contribute to workforce development.
Elder statesman, Olorogun Morrison Olori, has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding political leadership in the South-South region and his strategic role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Olori, an octogenarian and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly praised Wike for his transformative work as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement made during a public policy dialogue in Abuja, Olorogun Olori hailed Chief Wike as “a tireless bridge-builder and result-oriented leader who has brought stability and strategic political direction to the South-South and beyond.”
Chief Wike has not only strengthened the political base of the South-South region but has also become a key player in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through inclusive governance and infrastructural transformation,” Olori said.
Highlighting Wike’s impact as FCT Minister, Olori pointed to the minister’s record-setting performance in the signing of over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy, as well as his aggressive infrastructure renewal across the city, including road expansions, urban beautification, and housing developments. He described Wike’s efforts as “a masterclass in leadership and vision.”
“His work in Abuja has demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan—it is being implemented in concrete ways. He is delivering real, visible change,” Olori noted.
Olorogun Olori also emphasized Wike’s political courage in rallying support for national unity and economic revival, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone, where he continues to serve as a stabilizing force and a voice of progress.
“Wike has used his influence not for personal gain, but to elevate the South-South and to help President Tinubu consolidate the gains of this administration,” Olori added. “This kind of partnership between the presidency and regional leaders is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.”
Olori, however, urged other political leaders to emulate Wike’s commitment to excellence and patriotism, emphasizing that Nigeria needs more leaders who “serve with sincerity and deliver with impact.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has congratulated South Africa on the celebration of its 31st Freedom Day anniversary, marking more than three decades since the end of apartheid rule.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, extended warm greetings to his South African counterpart, His Excellency Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Ambassador Tuggar described the day as a reminder of the historic victory of democracy over apartheid and a celebration of the resilient and unified spirit that continues to shape South Africa’s journey.
“Nigeria and South Africa share a profound bond forged through decades of solidarity in the liberation struggle. As we reflect on this milestone, we recall Nigeria’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid movement, including diplomatic, material, and moral contributions that underscored our commitment to justice and the ethos of pan-Africanism,” the statement read.
Highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, Tuggar emphasized the shared responsibility Nigeria and South Africa have in promoting peace, security, and inclusive development across the African continent.
He noted that as Africa’s two largest economies and democracies, there is a need to strengthen collaboration in areas such as trade and investment through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as cultural exchanges and youth empowerment.
“Therefore, on this Freedom Day, we stand with South Africa in honouring the sacrifices of heroes like Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Thabo Mbeki and recommit to working together to realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa,” he added.
The Enugu Caucus in the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s plan to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, describing it as a potential catalyst for the Southeast economy.
The caucus commended the Federal Government for the initiative and urged it to hasten the process to enable the people of the Southeast and the nation to benefit from it in earnest.
It also called on the people of the region to support the concession as the only way to guarantee sustainable investment to fully develop the airport into a truly international facility.
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