Bauchi State commissioner of higher education, Dr Lydia Tsammani, has revealed that 39 colleges of education that train teachers in the state have no their own structures and staff but rely on the existing public schools to operate.
Dr Tsammani who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Bauchi after the state executive council decried the proliferation of unregistered colleges of education operating within the state.
She further lamented that out of the 49 private colleges of education, only twelve are properly registered and regulated to operate.
Dr. Tsammani described the situation as alarming, “This development is widespread across Bauchi. These fake institutions are perceived by our residents as credible trainers of knowledge for our future teachers. If this situation is not properly managed, our state education system is in jeopardy,” she warned.
The commissioner said the state executive council has approved a memo from the Ministry of Higher Education regarding the ratification of colleges of education.
According to her, four colleges have structures but have not completed their registration, while thirty-nine lack both structures and staff, operating at the expense of public schools and staff.
The council therefore resolved that it would allow colleges registered with the National Commission for Higher Education to operate and employ qualified permanent staff, provided they pay annual renewal dues to the government through the Ministry.
“These colleges must also admit only qualified candidates and continuously update their facilities. Colleges with structures but without official recognition have been given six months to complete their registration process,” she added.
