COEASU urges states to implement 2026 agreement on lecturers’ allowances

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has urged state governments and the management of state-owned colleges of education to incorporate agreed allowances into lecturers’ monthly emoluments and implement the seven-rung academic career structure under the renegotiated 2026 Federal Government–COEASU Agreement.

The National President of COEASU, Dr Lawan Ahmed Bazza, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the union’s 2026 Teachers’ Day celebration, held at the headquarters of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Bazza said the value of the renegotiated agreement would be realised only when its provisions translated into tangible improvements in lecturers’ welfare and career progression across the country.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Government, the renegotiation committee and other stakeholders to the agreement, while commending union members for their persistence and solidarity throughout the negotiation process.

“The next task is implementation. The value of an agreement is realised when its provisions improve the working lives of those it covers,” he said.

The COEASU president particularly appealed to state governments and the managements of state-owned colleges of education to give the agreement the attention it deserved, stressing that lecturers in state institutions shared the responsibility of preparing teachers for the country.

He said lecturers’ welfare and professional development must remain central to efforts to strengthen teacher education in Nigeria.

Bazza commended President Bola Tinubu for signing into law, in 2023, the legislation establishing the dual mandate for colleges of education, providing the legal foundation for eligible institutions to offer both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes.

He also praised the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, for facilitating the renegotiation of agreements between the Federal Government and tertiary education unions after more than 16 years of stalled efforts.

According to him, the prompt implementation of the financial component of the agreement had boosted members’ confidence that commitments made during negotiations would translate into tangible benefits.

He urged the relevant authorities to ensure effective implementation of the policy through adequate staffing, suitable facilities, clear academic guidelines and cooperation among institutions and regulatory agencies.

Bazza stressed that the expansion of degree programmes must not undermine the quality and relevance of the NCE, adding that both pathways required adequate attention within a coherent teacher education system.

He said the union remained committed to constructive engagement with the government and institutional managements to address challenges, protect academic standards and improve teaching and learning.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening teacher education, professional development and educators’ welfare as part of efforts to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.

The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, stated this in an address delivered on his behalf by the Executive Secretary of the NCCE, Dr Angela Ajala, at the celebration.

Alausa said the government was implementing reforms to reposition teacher education and ensure that Nigeria produced qualified, competent and professionally grounded teachers.

He identified the implementation of the dual mandate policy as a major reform, noting that eligible colleges of education could offer NCE and approved degree programmes, subject to relevant accreditation requirements.

According to him, the policy was intended to expand access to quality teacher education and strengthen the professional preparation of educators.

The minister also emphasised the need for teachers to continuously update their knowledge and skills in response to developments in digital technology, artificial intelligence, inclusive education and modern teaching methods.

He said the government was pursuing initiatives to strengthen teacher professionalisation and continuous development, including the Accelerated Teacher Training Programme, which provides a pathway towards professional certification and licensing for eligible non-professional teachers already engaged in teaching.

Alausa called for constructive dialogue, mutual respect and responsible partnerships among the government, unions and other stakeholders in addressing issues affecting the education sector.

He also congratulated COEASU on its recognition of outstanding NCE students from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones through scholarship awards, describing the initiative as an investment in the future of the teaching profession.

He urged the beneficiaries to uphold professional ethics, pursue excellence and embrace innovation in their future careers.

The celebration was held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future,” marking six decades since the adoption of the 1966 International Labour Organisation and UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.