Nigeria Needs 1.2 Million Teachers, Says FCE Ofeme Chairman

The Federal College of Education Ofeme Umuahia, has held her first matriculation ceremony with a charge for students to embrace discipline, technology, creativity, and integrity as they prepare for careers in teaching.

The event marked a milestone for the institution, community, and Abia State at large.

Speaking on behalf of the Abia State government, during the maiden matriculation ceremony held on Friday, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barrister Chinyere Okeziem-Nwoko, congratulated the 160 matriculating students and described their admission as a call to service and responsibility.

Professor Eme-Uche acknowledged the efforts of Governor Alex Otti in supporting the institution since its establishment.

She assured the students and management that the state government remains committed to ensuring the College thrives, particularly by strengthening infrastructure and modernizing the curriculum to produce competent teachers for national development.

The Chairman of the Governing Board, Hajia Rabia Hussain Adamu, highlighted Nigeria’s urgent teacher deficit, estimated at 1.2 million, stressing that the pioneer students must remain committed to teaching to bridge the gap.

She called on them to consider working in rural areas where the shortage is most severe, warning that neglecting the teaching profession could worsen the country’s education crisis.

Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, Professor T. O. Okoli, in his goodwill message, described the ceremony as historic.

He commended the Federal Government and Abia State for their foresight in establishing the college, noting that the pioneer students are “torchbearers” whose academic journey will shape the institution’s legacy.

In his address, the pioneer Provost of the College, Dr. Titus Sunday Ezeme, traced the institution’s journey from its establishment in 2023 to its present milestone.

He praised the community’s support and acknowledged philanthropists who awarded scholarships to indigent students, particularly medical practitioners in the diaspora who sponsored over 50 students.

Dr. Ezeme also announced ongoing infrastructure projects, including a 74-room female hostel funded by the Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

He appealed to corporate bodies, philanthropists, and public-spirited Nigerians to partner with the government in building critical facilities such as lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels, libraries, and access roads.

According to him, the success of the College depends on joint efforts to provide an enabling environment for teaching, learning, and research.

The maiden matriculation of the Federal College of Education, Ofeme-Ohuhu, not only marks the beginning of academic life for 160 pioneer students but also symbolizes progress in expanding access to teacher education in Nigeria.

Against the backdrop of a severe national teacher shortage, the College is positioned to play a critical role in producing competent educators and strengthening the foundation of the country’s education system.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Abia State officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.