The Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, has officially begun offering independent degree programmes, ending its long-standing affiliation with other universities for degree awards.
The provost of the institution, Dr Rafiu Soyele, announced this on Friday during a press briefing at the Council Chamber to mark the college’s 50th Founders’ Day anniversary and 26th combined convocation ceremony.
According to Soyele, the college has received approval to run 29 degree programmes and has already admitted more than 400 students across the courses. He explained that the development followed a Federal Government directive mandating all Federal Colleges of Education accredited to award degrees to operate independently.
The provost disclosed that a total of 2,361 students would graduate during the combined convocation for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. Of this number, 1,330 students are from the 2022/2023 session, while 1,031 are from the 2023/2024 session.
Soyele noted that FCE Abeokuta previously ran degree programmes in affiliation with the University of Ibadan, a partnership he said produced several sets of qualified graduates over the years. He commended the university for its support, adding that the collaboration contributed significantly to teacher education in the country.
He, however, advised parents and guardians to desist from enrolling their wards in affiliated degree programmes, urging them instead to take advantage of the college’s fully accredited independent degree offerings.
“We have brilliant and qualified lecturers, and our degree programmes are now running independently as directed. For our degree programmes alone, we already have over 600 students, with more than 400 currently active,” he said.
The provost warned that the institution could face pressure on space and facilities in the next few years if proactive steps are not taken, stressing that the college is adopting strategic planning and sustainable expansion models to address future challenges.
Reaffirming the institution’s mandate, Soyele said FCE Abeokuta remains committed to producing competent teachers capable of driving national development through quality education. He added that the college currently has over 170 PhD holders across its departments, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence.
Established in 1976 as a Federal Advanced Teachers College, FCE Abeokuta is the first tertiary institution in Ogun State. Over the years, it has expanded its programmes to include Nigeria Certificate in Education courses and specialised teacher training aligned with national manpower needs.
Activities lined up for the anniversary and convocation include the conferment of college and fellowship awards on distinguished Nigerians, including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide; juju musician-turned-evangelist, Ebenezer Obey; art patron, Yemisi Shyllon; former Katsina State Governor and TETFund Board of Trustees Chairman, Aminu Bello Masari; and the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Mrs Ronke Soyombo.
