By JUMOKE OLAITAN

The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has advocated a seamless and special arrangement for old Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) holders to pursue degree programmes.

The association urged the Federal Government to allow old NCE holders to return to their former Colleges of Education to pursue degree programmes under the Dual Mandate policy.

Prof. Boniface Odeh, NAPTAN National President and Provost, College of Education, Oju, Benue, made the appeal in a letter to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

A statement on the letter was made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja by the NAPTAN National President.

Odeh said the request was to create an additional pathway for old NCE holders to upgrade their qualifications under the Dual Mandate policy.

He said the policy allows eligible Colleges of Education to offer NCE and Bachelor’s degree programmes in education, subject to approval and accreditation.

According to him, the reform had created opportunities for teacher education, but old NCE holders should also benefit by returning to their former institutions.

Odeh said many NCE holders had encountered difficulties securing university admission through Direct Entry, limiting their opportunities to further their education.

He said ’APTAN was therefore seeking a special arrangement for willing old NCE graduates, regardless of their year of graduation, to pursue degrees at their former colleges.

The NAPTAN president said the arrangement would provide another route for NCE holders seeking to upgrade their qualifications without relying solely on university admission.

He said the proposal could also reduce pressure on universities and provide parents with a more affordable option for supporting their children’s further education.

Odeh said Colleges of Education were developing the capacity to offer degree programmes, with professors, Ph.D. holders and improved facilities now available in many institutions.

He added that enabling old NCE holders to upgrade their qualifications could encourage more of them to remain in the teaching profession.

According to him, some NCE holders had left teaching because of frustration over career progression, while degree opportunities could help retain teachers.

Odeh also said providing degree opportunities for affected NCE holders would keep them engaged in productive activities and potentially reduce unemployment and youth restiveness.

He urged the Federal Government to consider the request in the interest of parents, students and the education sector.

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) had announced the implementation of the Dual Mandate in eligible colleges, allowing approved institutions to offer NCE and Bachelor’s degree programmes concurrently. (NAN)