The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has criticised the Federal Government’s recent decision to grant admission waivers to candidates seeking entry into Colleges of Education without sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, COEASU President, Lawal Bazza, said the union was not consulted before the policy was introduced, stressing that major reforms in teacher education should involve all critical stakeholders.
According to Bazza, although efforts to boost enrollment into Colleges of Education are welcome, policies affecting teacher training must be carefully implemented to avoid damaging the quality of education in the country.
“We were not consulted in the discussions that led to this policy. Whenever government intends to introduce reforms, there should be proper engagement with stakeholders so that everyone understands the reasons behind such decisions,” he said.
He added that the union supports a “bottom-top” approach to policymaking, where stakeholders are involved from the planning stage, rather than imposing decisions from above.
Bazza disclosed that COEASU would hold an emergency National Officers’ Council meeting alongside former union leaders to decide its official position on the matter.
The union warned that lowering admission requirements without adequate consultation could negatively affect the quality of teachers produced by Colleges of Education, noting that teacher education remains vital to national development.
Speaking further on resolutions reached during the union’s National Executive Council meeting held between May 6 and 9 at Delta State College of Education, Bazza reaffirmed COEASU’s support for reforms aimed at strengthening teacher education institutions.
He highlighted the implementation of the Federal Colleges of Education Act 2023, which retains the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) as the minimum teaching qualification in the country.
The union also endorsed a proposed five-year training structure under the dual-mandate system, explaining that the arrangement would provide student teachers with stronger training in pedagogy and subject knowledge.
COEASU commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, for efforts toward implementing the Act according to its original objectives.
On labour issues, Bazza expressed concern over what he described as increasing intimidation of lecturers in some Colleges of Education, alleging that certain provosts victimise staff members for participating in union activities.
He also welcomed the appointment of Angela Ajala as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
The union president further revealed that COEASU had successfully concluded renegotiation talks with the Federal Government after nearly 16 years since the last agreement signed in 2010.
He urged the government to accelerate negotiations with other education sector unions to prevent disruptions in tertiary institutions and ensure uniform agreements for both academic and non-academic staff.
COEASU also raised concerns over poor salary structures in several state-owned Colleges of Education, listing states such as Kwara, Gombe, Osun, Ebonyi, Ogun, Kaduna, Yobe, Oyo, Borno, Adamawa, Abia, and Imo among those allegedly paying inadequate salaries.
According to Bazza, poor remuneration could threaten industrial harmony within the institutions if not urgently addressed.
He called on the Federal Government to engage state governments to ensure the full implementation of agreements reached with education unions across the country.
