Former Registrar of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria,(TRCN) Prof.Josiah Ajiboye has charged Colleges of Education in Nigeria to consider a review of their respective curriculum, in order to produce 21st century teachers capable of driving knowledge based economy in the country's educational system
Prof.Ajiboye who was delivering the 26th convocation lecture held on Wednesday, as part of the 50th anniversary of Federal College of Education, Abeokuta in Ogun State, said such review must give priority to learner-centred padagogy, educational technology and competency-based learning in line with National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) minimum standard and national policy
The former TRCN Registrar in the convocation lecture titled "Colleges of Education In Nigeria In 21st Century: Renewed Vision, Renewed Mission", called on the governing council and management of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta to set up a special taskforce to begin to review the performance of curricular to reposition the college for the present and future challenges in the educational sector
Teacher education according to him, must prioritize the critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration which are widely recognized as essential competencies for the global knowledge economy
"The integration of educational technology is now central to effective teaching. Teacher must be trained to use digital tools to enhance learning, assessment and collaboration while promoting responsible digital citizenship", he stated
The guest lecturer maintained that Colleges of Education must be the drivers of knowledge based economy, saying they must transform into developmental institutions that actively participate in the nation's economic transformation
"The overall challenge is for our institutions to produce not only graduates with the requisite skill sets to drive the economy, but also to engage in research and innovation for socio-economic development, helping to transform our economy from resource-driven to knowledge-driven"
"This renewed vision positions the College of Education as a critical asset in the Nigerian/African Knowledge Economy, with specific, actionable roles"', he stated
Prof Ajiboye tasked Colleges of Education in the 21st century to address teacher shortages in critical areas such as STEM, special education, early childhood and rural schools, saying emphasis must be placed on producing competency-based teacher education rather than note methods, preparing teachers who can foster innovation and critical thinking in their students
"The ultimate goal is to train teachers to teach skills, not just content: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. This prepares leaners for innovation-driven economies, moving away from a certificate -driven to labour market", he charged
Former Provost of the college and Chairman of the convocation lecture, Prof.Olakunle Filani lauded the guest lecturer for the rich presentation which according to him, will assist Colleges of Education to reposition them for the 21st century teaching method
Provost of the college, Dr.Rafiu Soyele described the choice of Prof.Ajiboye for the convocation lecture as demonstration of the FCE Abeokuta commitment to sustenance of academic excellence
He listed several physical projects including lecture halls, buildings lakeside which serves as a beautiful tourist site, unique art gallery amongst other structures that transformed the landscape of college since the establishment of college 50 years ago and the movement to the permanent site of its campus at Osiele in Abeokuta
He revealed that the college will be welcoming the first set of students for its degree programmes on Monday, February 16, 2026 as an institution with the dual mandate of awarding Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education Degree
The 26th Convocation holds on Thursday where graduands will be awarded certificates in various academic programmes
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