The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Education, Zaria, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, has said that transforming Nigeria’s education system requires deliberate and sustained investment in the preparation, development and continuous professional advancement of teachers.
A statement signed by Sani Lawal Maqarphy media aide to the VC said Prof. Bunkure stated this while delivering a goodwill message as Special Guest at the North-West Zonal Engagement with Provosts of Colleges of Education, held on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Kano State.
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The engagement was organised by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to provide a platform for the Commission to listen to the concerns of Colleges of Education, align policies and chart practical ways of moving the institutions forward.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Executive Secretary of the NCCE, Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Ajala, FNAE, for initiating the engagement, describing it as timely and purposeful in repositioning teacher education in the country.
He said the theme of the engagement, “Listen, Align and Move Our Colleges Forward,” underscored the importance of responsive leadership, constructive dialogue, strategic alignment and collective action.
Bunkure, a former Provost of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano, said his experience in teacher education had given him a practical understanding of the responsibilities, opportunities and challenges confronting Colleges of Education.
He maintained that no education system could rise above the quality, competence and character of the teachers it produces, stressing the need for sustained investment in teacher preparation and professional development.
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The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, for their efforts towards improving access, quality and learning outcomes in the education sector.
He particularly welcomed the Dual Mandate initiative approved by the Minister of Education, describing it as a strategic opportunity to redefine the role of Colleges of Education and strengthen their capacity to respond to the changing demands of teacher preparation and higher education.
According to him, the success of the initiative would require visionary leadership, effective coordination, adequate institutional support, innovation and a shared sense of ownership among the NCCE, governments, College authorities and other relevant stakeholders, including the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Bunkure also commended the engagement of Prof. Sunusi Yakubu Ahmad as Consultant to the NCCE, noting that his extensive experience in teacher education and service as a two-term Provost of a College of Education would bring valuable insight to the Commission’s reform efforts.
He expressed confidence that the Listening and Leadership Tour would go beyond consultation to produce practical interventions, strengthen institutional partnerships and foster a renewed sense of purpose across Colleges of Education.
The Vice-Chancellor further noted that every meaningful investment in teacher education represents an investment in the intellectual capital, human capacity and sustainable future of Nigeria.
He urged stakeholders to sustain dialogue and collaboration towards building Colleges of Education that are academically robust, professionally relevant, innovation-driven and capable of producing the teachers required for the country’s development.
The event brought together Provosts of Federal and State Colleges of Education, officials of the NCCE and other stakeholders in the education sector.
