The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritise scholarships for students pursuing careers in teaching and education-related fields.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made this known during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Sununu emphasised that the 2024 budget includes substantial funding for local scholarships, specifically designed to benefit students enrolled in education and teaching programmes across tertiary institutions, particularly those pursuing the National Certificate in Education (NCE).
“The Federal Ministry of Education is taking significant steps to ensure that education, especially the teaching profession, receives the attention it deserves.
“We understand that the future of our education system depends on the quality and dedication of our teachers, that is why our scholarship initiatives are focused on this critical area,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Sani Gwarzo, highlighted the ministry’s strong emphasis on the teaching profession, with Presidential approval for key projects aimed at enhancing teacher training and support.
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, expressed gratitude for the prompt and decisive action in ensuring the implementation of the dual mandates.
He confirmed that the admission process was on course, with JAMB fully engaged.
The Secretary General of NANCES, Tunji Olagunju, thanked President Bola Tinubu for the 50 per cent electricity subsidy provided to Colleges of Education and for signing the Dual Mandate into law.
The Act mandates Federal Colleges of Education to offer both NCE and Degree programmes concurrently, with the ministry developing a comprehensive implementation framework.(NAN)
