The Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN) has condemned the recent decision by the Federal Government to convert some Colleges of Education (COEs) to Universities.
The Union described the policy as a misguided and short-sighted move that will have far-reaching devastating consequences for the education sector.
President of SSUCOEN, Comrade Danladi Ali Msheliza expressed great concerns for the policy at the 38th National Delegates’ Conference (NDC) of the Union which was held at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano State.
He said the conversion will not only lead to the erosion of the unique identity and purpose of COEs, which have historically provided high-quality teacher training but also threaten the very existence of these institutions.
According to Msheliza, it ignores the critical need for specialised teacher training and development, and will likely result in a watered-down, generalised education that fails to meet the specific needs of students and educators.
He urged the governments (State and Federal) not to recognise this ill-conceived decision and prioritise preserving and strengthening our COEs, rather than dismantling them under the guise of a so-called upgrade.
SSUCOEN, however, lauded the Federal Government for assenting to the Amended Act
establishing Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria, on 12th June 2023.
“The NEC in session also recognized the vital role played by Professor Tahir Mamman,
the Honourable Minister of Education, and Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, the Executive Secretary, of the National Commission for Colleges of Education
(NCCE), in ensuring that the new law was circulated to all Colleges for effective application and imple mentation.
“As a result, the Union urges all Provosts of Nigeria Colleges of Education to ensure sacrosanct application and implementation of the provisions in the Act,” Msheliza noted.
The Union also expressed appreciation for the Government’s recent decision to exempt staff of tertiary educational institutions
from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
According to him, the decision has addressed the longstanding concerns of SSUCOEN and other sister Unions, who have been advocating for a more efficient and effective payroll management system for tertiary education institutions in Nigeria.
He urged the Federal Government to resolve all outstanding financial liabilities associated with the IPPIS before the final exit.
While calling for better funding structure, Msheliza urged both the Federal and State Governments to prioritize the education sector by increasing budgetary allocations to Education.
