Niger Assembly passes law empowering state college of education to offer degree programmes

The Niger State House of Assembly has enacted a new law re-establishing the Niger State College of Education, Minna, granting it the power to offer both National Certificate of Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree programs.

Hon. Muhammad Sani Idris, representing Tafa Constituency and Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Education, Science, and Technology, presented the committee’s report during the plenary.

The bill, which repealed the Niger State College of Education Law of 2011, was passed after the third reading, leading to the enactment of the new law in 2024.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, commended the Committee’s efforts, encouraging the continued passage of bills that benefit the people. He noted that the 10th Assembly has enacted 17 laws in less than two years.

Hon. Sani Idris explained that the new law aligns with the National Assembly’s act, allowing Federal Colleges of Education to offer both NCE and B.Ed. programs.

He further emphasised that the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) have set criteria for this dual mandate.

He added that degree programs previously offered through affiliations with other universities at the College of Education, Minna, will be phased out, allowing NCE graduates to further their education and earn degrees at the same institution.

In a related development, the House also passed a law to establish the Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Change in Mokwa Local Government Area. Based on findings by the Committee on Education, Science, and Technology, the decision was taken after confirming the state’s capability to fund the institution, which will provide specialised knowledge in agriculture and climate change.

Hon. Sani Idris assured that mechanisms for the university’s financial self-reliance were in place, ensuring it will not pose a financial burden on the government. He also mentioned plans to establish more educational institutions in the future.

Presenting the report, Hon. Idris explained that the committee invited key players to provide input. Following the presentation, the bill was considered clause by clause, unanimously adopted, and subsequently passed into law.

In his closing remarks, Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji commended the two committees and members of the House for their diligent work. He proudly noted, “This is the 17th bill the 10th Assembly has passed into law in less than two years.”

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to transmit clean copies of the law to the Executive Governor for assent.

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