By Nafisat Makinde
A significant step towards enhancing education in Nigeria was taken on July 1, 2025, when Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho spearheaded a bill to establish a Federal University of Education in Ankpa, Kogi State. This initiative seeks to elevate the existing State College of Education, amplifying its capacity to train and develop skilled educators.
The proposed Federal University of Education in Ankpa is designed to be a beacon of excellence in teacher education, with a focus on:
- Fostering inclusive learning environments
- Awarding degrees and diplomas in education and related fields
- Conducting research to enhance educational delivery
- Developing and retraining teachers to meet the nation’s human resource needs
The senator highlighted the critical role of education in driving national development, underscoring the importance of specialized institutions for teacher training. He emphasized that this perspective is supported by the National Policy on Education (1981), which states that “education is the greatest investment that a nation can make for the quick development of its economic, political, and social systems.” This foundational principle guides the proposed university’s mission to enhance teacher education and promote national growth.
The existing College of Education has a strong foundation, with affiliations with six Nigerian universities and a diverse range of degree programs. This existing infrastructure makes the transition to a university a practical and financially viable step.
With the bill’s passage, Senator Jibrin expressed optimism that it would have a transformative impact on teacher education, meeting the growing demand for skilled educators and promoting balanced educational development in the North Central region.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Tetfund and Tertiary Education for further review, with an anticipated report back to the Senate within six weeks, marking the next step in the legislative process.
Photo source : By Daily post
