By: Media Relations Unit, NCCE

In April 2021, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) entered a new era of leadership with the appointment of Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle as its Executive Secretary. Four years later, his tenure stands as a beacon of progress, stability, and forward- thinking governance in Nigeria's teacher education sector. From his first day in office, Prof. Okwelle brought a compelling blend of vision, empathy, discipline, and humility, redefining the tone and direction of leadership at the Commission. His style has not been about loud pronouncements but about measurable change guiding by example, encouraging his team, listening to stakeholders, and pursuing quality reforms with relentless focus.

A Legacy of Policy, People, and Purpose

1. Dual Mode Mandate: A Bold Step for Teacher Education
One of Prof. Okwelle's most impactful policy achievements is the successful implementation of the dual-mode mandate the concurrent running of both NCE and degree programmes in colleges of education. This groundbreaking initiative has expanded opportunities for students, bridged the academic gap between sub-degree and degree holders, and significantly improved the quality of teacher training in Nigeria. It represents a visionary step toward enriching academic offerings and aligning Nigeria's teacher education with global best practices.

Tangible Progress: Structural and Institutional Reforms




2. Infrastructural Development:
Prof. Okwelle has overseen visible improvements in the physical infrastructure of the Commission, equipping the institution for more efficient operations and stronger regulatory oversight. Investments in digital platforms and modern workspaces reflect his forward-thinking approach to institutional development.


3. Fostering Collaboration and Team Spirit:
A standout trait of Prof. Okwelle's leadership is his ability to build friendly working relationships internally with staff and externally with educational stakeholders. His open-door policy, inclusive management style, and commitment to shared success have created a workplace culture based on trust, productivity, and mutual respect.


4. Eliminating Illegal Colleges:
Under his leadership, the NCCE launched a successful clampdown on more than 20 illegal colleges of education nationwide. This decisive move protected the credibility of teacher training, prevented exploitation of unsuspecting students, and reinforced the Commission's regulatory authority.




5. Sixty-five (65) Years Retirement Age Reform:
A landmark achievement personally championed by Prof. Okwelle is the extension of the The retirement age for NCCE staff to 65 years. Through strategic advocacy and persistence, he secured approval for this critical reform, a move that has boosted morale, preserved institutional knowledge and rewarded experience across the sector.
Opening New Frontiers: Partnerships and Standards


6. Strengthened Educational Partnerships:
Under his stewardship, the NCCE has significantly increased local and international collaborations. From bilateral exchanges to cross-border academic partnerships, Prof. Okwelle has positioned the Commission as a proactive player in global education circles.


7. Timely Staff Promotion and Course Accreditation:
His commitment to internal efficiency has resulted in timely staff promotions, which have boosted morale and motivation within the Commission. Equally, resource verification and accreditation of academic programmes in colleges of education are now carried out more systematically and without bureaucratic delays, ensuring that educational quality is upheld nationwide.


8. Commendations from Stakeholders
Prof. Okwelle has earned widespread acclaim from college provosts, professional bodies, and education agency heads, who describe his leadership as dynamic, inclusive, and reform-driven. Many have testified to the positive impact of his guidance and policy direction.


9. Enhanced Staff Welfare
From health and housing initiatives to professional development programmes, staff welfare has received unprecedented attention. These efforts have resulted in increased motivation, loyalty, and a more stable working environment within the Commission.


10. Commitment to Quality Assurance:
The emphasis on quality assurance under Prof. Okwelle's administration has raised the standard of teaching and governance in colleges of education. Through monitoring, evaluations, and training, the Commission has become more proactive in ensuring compliance with academic benchmarks. Ensuring Stability: Dialogue, Peace, and Vision


11. Industrial Peace in Colleges of Education:
Prof. Okwelle's diplomatic skills and commitment to dialogue have resulted in sustained Industrial harmony across colleges of education. By addressing grievances proactively and Engaging constructively with unions, he has helped avert strikes and build a more stable academic calendar.



12. National Summit on the NCE's Future:
A defining moment in his tenure was the successful hosting of a national summit on the future of the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE). The summit attracted national attention, re-energized debates on teacher education, and reaffirmed the NCCE's strategic role in shaping education policy in Nigeria.