Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have moved to allay growing concerns among students over the recognition and credibility of degrees obtained through affiliate college programmes operating under the Federal Government’s Dual Mandate policy.
The assurance came during a forum recently convened by the Association of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (ACEN), which brought together representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC), parent universities, affiliate colleges, and student bodies.
The Dual Mandate policy allows colleges of education to continue offering the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) while also delivering bachelor’s degree programmes in affiliation with established universities.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Academic Planning at the NUC, Dr. Adebayo Adekunle, stressed that affiliate degree programmes are held to the same quality assurance standards as those offered directly by universities.
“All academic activities in affiliate institutions are regularly monitored. The curriculum, examinations, and certification are coordinated and approved by the parent universities, and graduates of these programmes receive the same degrees as those who study on the main campuses,” Dr. Adekunle said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Prof. Grace Olatunji, reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to upholding academic integrity in affiliate arrangements.
“Our partner colleges are subject to routine evaluation. Faculty training, infrastructure, and teaching materials must meet university standards. We ensure that no distinction is made in the certification of graduates,” Prof. Olatunji stated.
The forum, which featured an open question-and-answer session, addressed key concerns raised by students, including the value of their degrees in the job market and eligibility for further studies.
Many of the students in attendance expressed relief following the clarifications. “We were worried about how employers or other universities would view our degrees, but hearing directly from NUC and the universities has reassured us,” said Chinedu Okeke, a final-year student from a college affiliated with the University of Ibadan.
The stakeholders urged students and the general public to rely on official communications from regulatory agencies and their institutions to avoid misinformation.
The forum concluded with a renewed call for continuous dialogue between students, regulators, and institutional administrators to ensure the success of the Dual Mandate policy and the quality of education delivered through affiliate colleges.
