The British Council has engaged UK-based education consultant Dr. Nicky Hockly to review its work in Nigeria, focusing on the STEP (Strengthening Teachers' English Proficiency) and STRIDE (Stimulating Teacher Resourcefulness in Digital Education) programs. These initiatives, launched with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in October 2024, aim to enhance teaching and learning in Nigerian Colleges of Education.

During her visit to NCCE in Abuja on 22 May, Dr. Hokley met with NCCE officials and other stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the partnership and identify areas for improvement. The review will evaluate the programs' quality, partnership dynamics, and provide recommendations for future enhancements.

Pending the review of the National Certificate in Education (NCE) minimum standards, the British Council has requested NCCE’s support for a pilot training for teacher educators from selected colleges on the implementation of the STEP and STRIDE courses as a trial.

British Council Head of English for Education System, Fwanshishak Daniel, explained that the pilot will involve delivering the courses to student teachers in selected colleges to test the course design, content, and delivery methods. Such trials, he noted, are crucial for refining the courses and gathering feedback for finalization. “The trial will orient lecturers on course content and materials, ensuring effective delivery,” he said.

NCCE Executive Secretary, Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, welcomed the initiative and expressed the Commission’s readiness to coordinate the pilot. “The British Council stands out among our partners, and we appreciate your commitment to improving teacher education in Nigeria,” he added. Dr. Hockly's independent review will inform future collaborations, enabling the British Council and the Nigerian government to make data-driven decisions for enhanced program impact.