As part of ongoing efforts to address the declining interest of graduates from Colleges of Education and Faculties of Education in Nigeria in pursuing careers as professional teachers, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Forum for Innovative Teachers (AFFIT). AFFIT is an organization committed to the advancement of teaching as a respected profession, working to equip teachers with relevant skills to enhance their productivity both within and beyond the classroom.

The MoU was officially signed on May 22, 2025, at the NCCE's Conference Hall in Abuja, under the leadership of the Executive Secretary of NCCE, Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle. The initiative marks a strategic partnership aimed at reinvigorating the teaching profession and creating pathways that encourage education graduates to remain in the field.

Explaining the rationale behind the collaboration, the Director General of AFFIT, Dr. Ogah Emmanuel, highlighted alarming statistics: “Research shows that out of every one thousand graduates from Colleges of Education or Faculties of Education, less than two percent remain in the teaching profession five years after graduation.” He noted that many graduates seek alternative careers, which undermines the goals of teacher education. “Our aim is to find ways to retain these graduates within the education sector,” Dr. Emmanuel said, emphasizing AFFIT’s vision of promoting “teaching with dignity” rather than the outdated notion that “the teacher's reward is in heaven.”

Dr. Emmanuel further explained that AFFIT intends to promote entrepreneurship, technology, and other value-added skills among education students. “We are particularly focused on equipping students still in Colleges of Education so that they see teaching as a viable and rewarding profession,” he said. He also disclosed that AFFIT confers fellowships on outstanding teachers and is working to establish research fellow roles for final-year students trained in entrepreneurship, ICT, and other related fields. This approach aims to broaden the professional scope of student-teachers while keeping them rooted in education. He added that AFFIT is creating alternative education pathways, such as Agrotech and educational technology, that align with contemporary trends. These innovative approaches are designed to make the teaching profession more attractive and dynamic, offering a broader spectrum of opportunities for young educators.

Responding to the initiative, the Executive Secretary of NCCE, Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, commended AFFIT for its forward-thinking approach. He acknowledged that the challenge of graduate attrition from the teaching profession has been a persistent concern for education stakeholders. “Your initiative to partner in building the capacity of teachers is commendable,” he said, “and it clearly demonstrates that your organization is deeply invested in the future of teacher education in Nigeria.” Professor Okwelle expressed cautious optimism, noting the importance of ensuring that the MoU translates into real, measurable impact. “I sincerely hope this Memorandum of Understanding does not become another white elephant project,” he remarked. “Over the years, we have seen many well-intentioned initiatives that fail to deliver. However, I trust that with the level of passion and clarity shown by AFFIT, this one will be different.”

He concluded by reiterating NCCE's full support for the partnership and assured AFFIT of the Commission’s commitment to seeing the collaboration through. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with you in transforming the narrative of teacher education. Let us ensure that together, we empower educators who are not only competent but also proud to remain in the profession,” he said.