The Niger State House of Assembly has enacted a new law re-establishing the Niger State College of Education, Minna, empowering it to offer both National Certificate of Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programs.
Hon. Muhammad Sani Idris, representing Tafa Constituency and Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Education, Science, and Technology, presented the committee's report during the plenary session. The bill, which repealed the Niger State College of Education Law of 2011, was passed after the third reading, leading to the enactment of the new law in 2024.
During the plenary, Speaker RT. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji praised the committee's efforts and encouraged the continuation of passing bills that benefit the people. He noted that the 10th Assembly has already enacted 17 laws in less than two years.
Hon. Sani Idris explained that the new law aligns with the National Assembly's act, allowing Federal Colleges of Education to offer both NCE and B.Ed. programs. He emphasised that the National University Commission (NUC) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) have set criteria for this dual mandate. Degree programs previously offered through affiliations with other universities at the College of Education, Minna, will be phased out, allowing NCE graduates to continue their education at the College to earn a degree.
In another significant development, the House also passed a law to establish the Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Change in Mokwa. The decision, based on the Committee on Education, Science, and Technology's findings, confirmed the state's capability to fund the institution, which will offer specialised knowledge in agriculture and climate change. Hon. Sani Idris assured that mechanisms for the university's financial self-reliance are in place, ensuring it will not burden the government. He also mentioned plans for establishing more educational institutions in the future.